COLCHESTER United have confirmed that four of their players and staff have tested positive for coronavirus after completing a first phase of testing ahead of group training.

Of the 28 U's players and staff that completed tests at Florence Park over the course of Thursday and Friday, four returned positive results for the virus.

All the other members of the U's squad and staff returned negative tests and will begin training next week ahead of their proposed play-off semi-final against Exeter City.

In line with the EFL protocols surrounding a return to training, the quartet will now self isolate at home for the next seven days.

They will then undergo strict monitoring procedures, including the need for a negative test, before they can return to the training ground.

The Colchester quartet were four of seven individuals who tested positive for Covid-19 from three different League Two clubs over the course of Thursday and Friday, the EFL have confirmed.

The initial round of COVID-19 testing saw 135 players and club staff tested from four League Two clubs, over the course of the two-day period.

Colchester are currently gearing up for a League Two play-off against Exeter City, who have revealed that two of their players or club staff tested positive for coronavirus over the course of Thursday and Friday.

In a statement, Exeter tonight said: 'First team players and members of Exeter City's coaching and medical teams were tested for Covid-19 last week as part of the ‘return to playing’ testing regime at the club.

'Following this first phase, two tests have returned positive results.

'The club has introduced strict measures around testing and visiting the training ground. The two from the group who had tested positive, had not displayed any symptoms associated with Covid-19.'

Meanwhile, Northampton Town confirmed that one member of their staff - physio Ignacio Herrando - tested positive for Covid-19, following the testing proceedure.

The decision by League Two clubs to end the season - and proceed with play-offs - still needs to be ratified by the EFL and the FA.

League One and League Two clubs will not formally vote on how to end the season before June 8 after the EFL reiterated their desire to continue with the framework set out previously.

The EFL are proposing to call a meeting of clubs on June 8 'to consider and, if thought fit, approve the proposals to introduce the Regulation change'.

In a statement, the EFL said: 'The EFL will continue to make regular and relevant announcements as appropriate in respect of the testing programme to support competition integrity and transparency.

'No specific details as to Clubs or individuals will be provided by the League'.

A total of ten individuals from eight Championship clubs also tested positive for Covid-19, over the same period.

The EFL confirmed 1,058 players and club staff from 24 Championship clubs were tested over the course of Thursday and Friday.