IPL 2020: VPS Healthcare to Conduct 20k Plus Covid-19 Tests During IPL

The BCCI has recruited VPS Healthcare as the official COVID-19 testing agency for the upcoming IPL, where more than 20,000 tests will be conducted for nearly three months. As per a press release sent by the company, the 20,000 tests will include "all players, support staff of the franchisees, BCCI officials and IPL stakeholders." "We are also in discussion with the BCCI on the provision of providing other allied support medical services in line with the requirement for the conduct of the tournament," the release further stated.

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All players and staff members of the teams are being tested on days 1, 3 and 6 before they are being allowed to enter the bio bubble. After that players and others are supposed to be tested every fifth day throughout the course of the tournament.

Recently, former Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt had tested positive for Covid-19. That put fellow Jamaican Chris Gayle at risk of contracting the virus, since the latter reportedly attended Bolt's birthday party. Gayle is all set to appear in the IPL for Kings XI Punjab, but his chances could have been jeopardised, had he tested positive.

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But Gayle, announced on social media, that his results have come negative. “Couple days ago. 1st Covid-19 test.. Before travel I need 2 negative test,” one of his posts ready. In another post, Gayle wrote, “The last one went a bit too far in my nose. Phew. Result was negative.”

As far as Bolt is concerned, he announced on Saturday that he has tested positive, that he’s asymptomatic and has been advised home quarantine. At the party, it is believed that Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling, Bayer Leverkusen and Leon Bailey were also in attendance.