The Premier League has announced that 40 players and club staff have tested positive for the coronavirus over the past week, more than double the previous weekly high.

The league conducted 2,295 tests across two rounds over the past week between December 28 – 31, and there were 28 new positive tests and 12 more found between January 1 – 3.

The previous high was 18 positive test results from December 21-27.

“With low numbers of positive tests across the overwhelming majority of clubs, the league continues to have confidence in its Covid-19 protocols, fully backed by the government, to enable fixtures to be played as scheduled,” said the Premier League.

Under League regulations, players and club staff who test positive for COVID-19 must self-isolate for 10 days.