Seven additional NJPW wrestlers test positive for COVID-19

[Big Red Machine]

https://www.f4wonline.com/new-japan-new ... -19-340926

By Bryan Rose | @br26 | May 8, 2021 9:16 pm

Seven additional NJPW wrestlers have tested positive for COVID-19.

The company released a statement tonight saying that upon further testing, seven more wrestlers have tested positive for COVID-19. This is in addition to the two wrestlers that NJPW confirmed have tested positive. The statement reads:

As a result of PCR testing conducted across the roster following the May 4 Wrestling Dontaku event in Fukuoka, New Japan Pro-Wrestling has learned of seven positive tests for COVID-19.

As previously reported, two wrestlers who presented with a fever on the day of the May 4 event were immediately tested in accordance with COVID protocols, with the tests returning positive.

In light of this news, all those who had close contact with the infected parties, in addition to every wrestler on the roster, received PCR tests, with a further seven wrestlers testing positive.

All those who tested positive are experiencing mild symptoms or are asymptomatic. According to protocols and under medical advice, all are isolating and receiving appropriate treatment.

NJPW pulled Kazuchika Okada, Minoru Suzuki, El Desperado, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, SHO, and YOH from the second night of Wrestling Dontaku after two wrestlers came down with a fever. As a result, several matches had to be changed and the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title between El Desperado and YOH was removed.

The company announced earlier this week that both of their stadium shows in Yokohama and Tokyo were being postponed due to the COVID-19 state of emergency in Japan being extended through the end of May.