Zidane tests negative but may have to self-isolate if he had close contact with positive

Posted Friday, January 08, 2021 by Marca.com

Zinedine Zidane is self-isolating at home after being in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

The Real Madrid boss was absent from training at Valdebebas on Thursday and underwent tests, testing negative in both an antigen and PCR test.

From there, Zidane will have to follow the protocol laid out by the Spanish government and local authorities, as well as LaLiga's rules.

If the contact that Zidane had with the positive case was considered to be close, he will have to undergo two weeks of self-isolation, which could reduce to 10 days with a negative PCR test result.

This would mean that Zidane would not only miss the tie against Osasuna on Saturday but also Thursday's Supercopa de Espana semi-final against Athletic Club.

If Real Madrid make the Supercopa final with a victory over Marcelino's side, Zidane would be available providing he does not test positive.

What is considered a close contact?

- Anyone who has cared for a positive case, primarily referring to medical staff.

- Anyone who has been in the same place, less than two metres apart, for more than 15 minutes, which can be judged by the individual or a workplace risk reduction service.

- Anyone who has been in proximity in a school or college.

In an update to LaLiga protocol on October 28, 2020, point five of article 4.3 says that:

- If there is close contact within the club, following the relevant health authority instructions, the individual should self-isolate for at least 14 days from their last contact with the positive case and undergo tests. After 10 days from that contact, they should undergo a PCR to end their isolation if it is returned negative.

LaLiga Santander is considered an essential service, which allows some passes to be given to individuals who undergo a number of negative tests, though they do not impact players themselves.

The key to this case will depend on what kind of contact Zidane had with the positive individual.