Flamego begin Covid-19 testing at their Ninho do Urubu base | OneFootball

Flamengo have installed a Covid-19 testing centre at their training ground as the club step up preparations for a possible return to football activity.

According to Gazeta Esportiva, the testing facility is located in the car park at Ninho do Urubu.

All members of the playing and coaching staff have taken tests at their homes, and the results are expected to take three days to come back.

Flamengo manager Jorge Jesus was among those tested.

He returned to Rio de Janeiro on Friday after spending the past few weeks riding out the global pandemic with family in his native Portugal.

Speaking to FlaTV, Jesus said the Rubro-Negro will follow the official advice they are given when it comes to getting back on the pitch.

“We will see what the authorities will determine for when the teams return to training,” the 65-year-old said.

“They are workers like everyone else. Players have the advantage of testing, working outdoors. We have to be careful, realise that this is no joke.

“I was asked in Portugal if I was going to get in the eye of the hurricane when I returned to Rio. I said: ‘No problem, we have to know how to live together’. We will make our schedule day by day.”

The Brazilian giants have competed in cup competitions both domestically and on the continent this year.

Flamengo had been scheduled to open the defence of their Brazil Série A title with a home game against Atlético Mineiro on Saturday, but there remains no decision on if or when the league will begin.