Seven COVID-19 Cases Clustered at Hanshin Tigers, Japan Professional Baseball Team

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] A cluster infection of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has occurred in the Hanshin Tigers, a Japanese professional baseball team.

Japanese media reported on the 25th that "a total of seven people, including players Yuta Iwasada, Masumi Hamachi, Kosuke Baba (all pitchers), Naomasa Yokawa, Gento Itohara (all infielders), and two staff members tested positive for COVID-19."

Regarding this, Osamu Dani, the Hanshin team director, stated, "We are currently investigating how the players contracted COVID-19."

Local media reported that Hanshin players violated COVID-19 guidelines by holding gatherings outside after an away game against the Chunichi Dragons held in Nagoya on the 19th.

In March, three Hanshin players (Shintaro Fujinami, Hayata Ito, and Kenya Nagasaka) were also confirmed positive for COVID-19.