The president of the Mittagong Rugby League Football Club has confirmed one of its senior players has tested positive to COVID-19.
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"I will go on record saying Mittagong Lions Senior Rugby League Football Club has had a player test positive to COVID-19," Matt Aiken said.
"The young gentleman in question tested positive on Tuesday, July 14".
Mr Aiken confirmed the player was the Woolworths Bowral employee who tested positive for COVID-19.
"To the guy's credit, he actually started to self-isolating once he felt symptoms on Monday morning," he said.
A Woolworths spokesperson said the affected employee last worked on Sunday, July 12 and did not present with any symptoms of illness at the time.
The spokesperson said Woolworths became aware of the case on Tuesday, July 14 and closed the store overnight for a deep clean.
Mr Aiken said everything had been done to ensure the wellbeing and safety of all members.
"It's important I send this message to the community: I'm extremely grateful as is the club that our secretary who just happens to be our COVID-19 officer was all over this," he said.
"I'm in awe of how she handled this so professionally. Everything we've learnt, the training, our plan for COVID-19 went straight into overdrive.
"I get comfort in knowing this was done methodically."
Mr Aiken said he was "extremely guarded when it comes to our players and in particular their welfare".
"Our players here at the Lions mean as much to me as my own children do," he said.
"The young man is in good spirits today... The committee and the club as a whole are thinking of him and his family. Everybody has everything crossed he'll be okay.
"We're family here, footy is just something we play on the weekends for fun.
"To the young fella: Keep your spirits up and hit the books. He is in Year 12 so it's a good chance to study. Just know you're in my prayers."
Mr Aiken said the affected player had the full support of his fellow club members.
"We've sent a signal to him [that] we're all thinking of him. We just wish we could get around him but he knows we think he is a great guy. He didn't ask for this, the poor bugger," he said.
Mr Aiken said no upcoming events would be affected.
"The only social night we've planned is our trivia night which is on Friday, August 21 so that is obviously some time off," he said.
"Football is about to resume this Sunday for us at home, our secretary has connected [with] the club we're playing about the situation.
"We're forthcoming of any information they request. We have a great connection with this club and we will respect wholeheartedly any decisions they make regarding playing."