The LCS lock In tournament starts in a few days, and many teams have rising COVID-19 concerns. Unfortunately, some Dignitas and Counter Logic Gaming (CLG) staff have tested positive for the virus.
COVID-19 and the LCS
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a huge factor in esports throughout the past year, and it’s not making an exit anytime soon. The League of Legends Championship Series generally takes place in Los Angeles, California, a hot spot for the newest strain of COVID-19. While cases surge to over 50,000, teams should consider tighter social distancing rules.
As confirmed by esports interviewer Travis Gafford, some Dignitas staff and players have recently tested positive for COVID-19. These members have been moved to separate locations to ensure the safety of the team. Although the tests have shown positive results for those few members, the disease has a two-week incubation period, during which time it could have spread to other close contacts. Along with Dignitas, CLG players have also tested positive and have assured fans their players are resting and recovering.
The spread of the virus may have been caused by close contact during practice at their training facilities. CLG had rigorous testing protocols in place which led to the recent positive results. As a precaution, Gafford revealed that Immortals will be competing in individual apartments for the time being.
COVID-19 and CLG’s visa issues
Although most of CLG’s players are still able to compete, Finn “Finn” Wiestål and Mads “Broxah” Brock-Pedersen won’t be available for a while due to visa issues related to the pandemic. In the meantime, they will temporarily utilize Colin “Solo” Earnest for top-lane and Ryan “Keel” Keel for jungler. Finn’s contract will end on January 25, and Keel’s on March 15, giving Broxah and Finn enough time to arrive at the US by the end of the Lock-In Quarterfinals.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect esports, the LCS has been transparent regarding timing, testing, and location information. At the moment, there are currently no further comments from LCS regarding the health and safety of the players who have tested positive.
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