Chicago Fire announce a first team player has tested positive for COVID-19

A Chicago Fire FC first team player has tested positive for COVID-19, the club announced late Friday night. It’s the first positive coronavirus test for the Fire.

The team is not releasing the player’s name, but he was not a member of the squad that traveled to Columbus for Thursday’s match against the Crew. The player is asymptomatic, and has self-isolated. He will remain in isolation, and will be monitored and tested daily.

At this point, it doesn’t appear to have spread. All other players and staff members have tested negative, and are not showing symptoms.

MLS players have to undergo Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests every other day, including the day before each match. A player is considered positive for COVID-19 when they receive two consecutive positive test results.

Because of this, the Fire will now begin daily testing of the entire first team and staff. Additionally, the team has implemented contact tracing.

The Fire remain scheduled to play FC Cincinnati on Tuesday at Soldier Field.