In this Dec 1, 2019 photo, Shandong Luneng's Marouane Fellaini (top) heads the ball during the Chinese Super League (CSL) football match between Beijing Guoan and Shandong Luneng in Beijing. (PHOTO / STR / AFP)

DALIAN, China - Chinese Super League (CSL) administrators have taken stricter anti-pandemic measures as three COVID-19 cases were confirmed on Wednesday and Thursday in Dalian, where the long-delayed 2020 CSL is set to begin on Saturday.

A total of 1,870 people, including players, coaches and working staff, have been tested for the novel coronavirus

The CSL organizers called for an emergency meeting late on Wednesday night, an insider said.

All those staying in the area that has been sealed off for the CSL are required to wear face masks in public, with any violations resulting in harsh punishments, the meeting decided.

The meeting also asked the CSL teams, who are housed in the same hotel inside the area, to be braced for further virus restriction measures contingent on the endemic prevention and control situation.

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A total of 1,870 people, including players, coaches and working staff, have been tested for the novel coronavirus. All tested negative, according to the CSL.

The 16 teams in the 2020 CSL have been split into two groups, one based in Dalian and the other in Suzhou, to play a tournament-style league behind closed doors from July 25 to September 28.

During this period, all players and staff will be confined to their hotel when not training or playing.

The CSL has warned teams that any person who violates the virus prevention measures could be removed from the league.