MLS: 26 positive COVID-19 tests ahead of Orlando tournament

With just over a week remaining until it returns to the field, Major League Soccer announced Sunday that a total of 26 people have tested positive for COVID-19 since June 4.

The league is scheduled to resume on July 8, with all 26 clubs taking part in the "MLS is Back Tournament" at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. There are no plans to cancel the competition at this time, a league spokesperson told Jeff Carlisle of ESPN.

Prior to arriving in Orlando, MLS said 18 players and six staff members tested positive since full team training resumed on June 4. Tests were then administered to all players and club staff members upon their arrival in Florida. In total, 329 people have been tested on-site, with two more positive results, both coming from players who had traveled from their respective home cities.

To date, five clubs are in Orlando: the San Jose Earthquakes, Orlando City, Minnesota United, the Columbus Crew, and FC Dallas.

A total of 668 players have been tested since June 4, the league added.

"Any individual who tests positive for COVID-19 while in Orlando will participate in a clinical assessment by a healthcare provider and moved to the isolation area of the hotel until he or she receives medical clearance," the league said.

"While in isolation, MLS players and other staff will be in daily communication with and receive remote care from a healthcare provider, including monitoring of symptoms, and regular follow-up testing," the statement continued.

Concerns continue to grow about Florida's ability to safely host the competition. The state reimposed virus restrictions earlier this week after daily cases surged when some limitations were prematurely lifted.

Florida has logged over 141,000 confirmed coronavirus cases. The global total surpassed 10 million on Sunday, with over 500,000 confirmed deaths as a result of the virus.