LONDON, Aug 23 — Sixteen individuals tested positive for Covid-19 in the Premier League’s latest round of tests carried out on 3,060 players and club staff, the league said today.

The third round of tests conducted between August 16 and 22 showed an increase in infections after the English top flight recorded 20 cases in the first two weeks of testing.

"In line with testing provisions in healthcare, the Premier League will use lateral flow tests this season, and anyone who tests positive will then take a PCR test to confirm the result,” the league said.

Among the players who tested positive last week were Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic and Arsenal’s new signing Ben White, with both players missing yesterday’s clash which Chelsea won 2-0 to move to the top of the standings.

Arsenal forwards Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette were among club’s four positives a week ago, but Aubameyang returned to the side for the weekend’s clash. — Reuters