At least 16 positive coronavirus cases were confirmed by the Premier League during the latest week of testing over two rounds.

According to an official statement on the Premier League’s website on Monday, a total of 3,115 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19.

The statement said that “between Monday 11 January and Sunday 17 January, across two rounds of testing, 3,115 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19. Of these, there were 16 new positive tests.”

The new cases mark a reduction in infection in the league after about 36 positive cases recorded last week, following a season-high of 40 a fortnight ago with recent outbreaks of the virus affecting Aston Villa, Newcastle, Manchester City and Fulham.

Six Premier League matches have been called off due to coronavirus cases this season, most recently Villa’s game at home to Everton on Sunday because of the ongoing Covid-19 issues at Villa Park.