EPL reports 36 new COVID-19 cases after latest round of testing

The Premier League discovered 36 new COVID-19 cases after testing 2,593 players and staff between Jan. 4 and Jan. 10.

The number of positive tests is down slightly from the record 40 that the Premier League reported last week.

Outbreaks at Aston Villa, Fulham, Manchester City, and Newcastle United have forced five postponements so far this season.

Villa's match against Tottenham is the latest fixture to be postponed because of a large number of positive tests at the Birmingham outfit. The game was originally slated for Wednesday evening but action was taken following a request from Villa to delay kickoff.

The Premier League has repeatedly said it has "confidence in its COVID-19 protocols" and is fully determined to carry out the remaining fixtures in the 2020-21 calendar.

The U.K. is experiencing a surge in cases, particularly in London, where one in 30 people are testing positive. Prime Minister Boris Johnson imposed a nationwide lockdown as doctors discovered a new highly contagious strain of COVID-19.

More than 46,000 new cases were reported on Monday, along with 529 related deaths.

The government has allowed elite sport to continue despite the increasing pressure on hospitals.

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder, whose side sits last in the Premier League with just two points, said he's prepared for the season to be suspended.

"We'll just go with what the government and Premier League have to say and, if it's the case to carry on, we'll carry on," Wilder told reporters. "But I don't think I'm being controversial if I say I don't think anyone would be surprised if we don't carry on with the way it's sweeping through the country."

On Friday, Newcastle boss Steve Bruce said it wasn't "morally" ethical to continue playing. Earlier in the month, West Bromwich Albion's Sam Allardyce, who is 66, called for the Premier League to halt the campaign, citing concerns about his age and health.