Harrogate Town reveal results of first round of coronavirus testing

Simon Weaver's team reported back to Wetherby Road last Tuesday as they begin their preparations for the National League play-offs, which are set to take place in late July.

Town players were allowed inside the CNG Stadium for the first time since early March, following the government's easing of coronavirus restrictions.

They are only in stage one of their phased return to training, with squad members currently working in groups of no more than six people.

The club had originally planned to begin Covid-19 testing at the end of this week to enable them to move into stage two, where squad members have more freedom to mix once it has been established that nobody in their number is carrying the virus.

Town have however already conducted a first round of tests, with all of the 15 first-team players who took part returning negative results.

Boss Weaver and several members of his coaching and support staff were also tested. Again, no positive results were recorded.

“All the tests came back negative which is very good news,” Weaver said.

“It just shows what a great job Rachel [Davis - club physio] has done in terms of precautions and making sure we met the protocols for preventing the spread of coronavirus.

“The tests only take about a minute-and-a- half per person. It’s uncomfortable. It’s not the most pleasant experience I’ve ever had, but it’s quick and it’s necessary.”

Town will continue to conduct tests on a weekly basis.