BAD weather and Covid-19 pushed back the season opener of the Philippines Football League (PFL).

The league was supposed to kick off on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, at the Philippine Football Federation Training Center football field in Carmona, Cavite. But because of tropical depression Quinta, which is set to hit that part of the country, and also because players and a coach on two of the participating clubs tested positive for Covid-19, the league was forced to push back its opener.

“We have anticipated this scenario. hence there is a set of health and safety protocols in place for incidents such as these. What is important is that all continue to adhere to the protocols which are aimed to prevent or minimize the spread of the virus. Upon checking, we have confirmed that those who tested positive admitted having close contact with the player who was first to test positive,” said PFL Commissioner Coco Torre in a statement.

Before entering the “Bubble,” players, coaches and team staff were tested for Covid-19 at the Seda Nuvali in Santa Rosa, Laguna. Five players and a coach tested positive for Covid-19 and were isolated. After further tests on Saturday, Oct. 24, three other individuals who were in close contact with the players and the coach also tested positive.

“We put emphasis on the safety of each and every individual in the bubble, whether player, staff, or match official,” said PFF general secretary Edwin Gastanes. “We understand the current situation and with participants’ strict compliance with bubble-specific protocols, we hope to push through with kickoff in a few days.” (EKA)