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Essendon players will be able to continue training as normal despite the AFL club's chief executive Xavier Campbell testing positive to COVID-19.
Essendon chief executive Xavier Campbell is confident the club's football program and training schedule can go ahead as normal despite him testing positive to COVID-19.
Campbell developed mild symptoms on Monday afternoon and immediately got tested. The positive result was confirmed on Tuesday morning.
The fully-vaccinated Campbell is now isolating with his family at home and will continue to follow the Victorian Government guidelines and quarantine protocols.
Given Campbell has not attended Essendon's headquarters since last Wednesday and has had no direct contact with the club's football program under the AFL's football department protocols, his positive test isn't expected to affect the Bombers' training plans.
"I experienced very mild symptoms on Monday afternoon and out of caution got tested which has since returned a positive result. My family and I are now isolating as we await all results," Campbell said.
"We've seen similar examples with other clubs in recent days and it is a reminder of the importance of being vaccinated and getting tested as soon as symptoms present themselves.
"Per Government advice, I have immediately contacted any individuals who I have been in direct contact with over the past 48 hours, advising them to be tested.
"Importantly, our football program has not been impacted and can continue training as normal. I will continue to work from home throughout my quarantine period."
As a precautionary measure, Essendon have asked its entire administration to be tested and await a negative result before returning to the office.
The AFL has been hit by a number of COVID-19 scares in recent times.
Young Hawthorn midfielder Finn Maginness contracted COVID-19 last week, becoming the first AFL player to test positive since then-Bomber Conor McKenna in June, 2020.
A member of Carlton's AFLW program also tested positive last week, which followed on from positive tests in the AFLW programs at Richmond and the Western Bulldogs.
