New Japan Pro Wrestling is reporting seven new cases of COVID-19.
On May 4, the promotion announced that two of their wrestlers had contracted the novel coronavirus, although neither were named. Changes were made to the card of NJPW Wrestling Dontaku night two, with multiple performers undergoing thorough examination and PCR and antibody testing. Notably, SHO, YOH, Kazuchika Okada, Minoru Suzuki, El Desperado, and Yoshinobu Kanemaru were all pulled from the event.
As a result of that testing, the promotion has leaned of seven additional positive tests. Once again, no names were given. All those affected are reportedly either experiencing mild symptoms or are asymptomatic. NJPW issued the following statement:
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.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling has a strictly implemented COVID-19 policy drawn up under expert advice and guidance. This includes daily temperature and blood oxygen saturation checks, as well as regular PCR testing. All attendees are temperature screened on entry to venues, masks are required during training and backstage, and packaged food is provided in order to limit unnecessary movement outside. However, we take these developments extremely seriously, and are working to further strengthen our COVID-19 countermeasures in future.
NJPW deeply apologizes for the concern caused to fans and personnel and asks for your understanding.
Fightful will keep you apprised should any additional information become available.
