[ad_1]
England returned two ‘unconfirmed positive tests’ for the coronavirus with the tour group currently self-isolated in their hotel rooms Sunday’s ODI in Paarl was abandoned after two staff members at the hotel where the team were staying in the test positive for Covid-19
Last update: 07/12/20 7:36 am
4:37
Mike Atherton, Nasser Hussain, and Ian Ward discuss the likelihood of the England to South Africa tour continuing after two ‘unconfirmed positive tests’ for Covid-19 among the touring group.
Mike Atherton, Nasser Hussain, and Ian Ward discuss the likelihood of the England to South Africa tour continuing after two ‘unconfirmed positive tests’ for Covid-19 among the touring group.
England have returned two “unconfirmed” positive coronavirus tests following the abandonment of their first ODI against South Africa.
Sunday’s game at Paarl had been canceled 30 minutes before it started at 8am UK time, and two staff members at the team’s hotel tested positive for Covid-19.
The England touring group underwent an additional round of testing Saturday night and now isolate themselves in their hotel rooms while they await further medical advice.
A joint statement from the Cricket Board of England and Wales and Cricket South Africa read: “The decision was made after two hotel staff members tested positive for COVID-19. As a precautionary measure, players and management of England underwent an additional round of PCR testing on Saturday night.
“Following the test results, two members of the group touring England have returned unconfirmed positive tests for COVID-19. Players and management now isolate themselves in their rooms until further advice is received by medical teams.” .
The series was to start at Boland Park in Paarl on Sunday.
The ECB and the CSA also said a decision will be made on the final two games of the series once the test results are independently ratified by medical experts.
Since then, Monday’s ODI in Cape Town has been postponed, although games could still take place on Tuesday and Wednesday before England’s scheduled departure on Thursday.
The ODI series was due to begin in Cape Town on Friday, but was postponed after a South African player tested positive for coronavirus – Proteas were tested again on Friday night and all came back negative for Covid.
Ashley Giles, England Managing Director of Men’s Cricket, said: “We regret not being able to play in today’s ODI, but the well-being of the players and support staff is our primary concern and while we await the results of further testing, Medical advice from both teams was that this game should not take place.
“We are in constant dialogue with Cricket South Africa and will continue to work closely with them to determine the best way forward.”
South African Cricket Director Graeme Smith said: “CSA is doing everything in our power to ensure that our highest priority, which is the health, safety and well-being of players, support staff and all those involved in this series, is safeguarded. “
“With that in mind, we have made the joint decision to cancel today’s match. We deeply regret the situation we find ourselves in after the amount of time and energy that has been invested to organize a successful tour.
“We are in ongoing discussions with the ECB as we navigate the situation under the guidance of our combined medical teams.”
Sky Sports Cricket Michael Atherton said: “There is a suspicion that the results could be false positives, if the readings are unusual, who knows? They have sent those results to be confirmed or not, and that will be key.”
South Africa’s first ODI against England has been abandoned after two hotel staff members tested positive for coronavirus
“It is very difficult to watch these games and this tour goes forward if two members of the tour group are confirmed to be positive. If they are false positives and the tour group is clear, then there may be a possibility of ending this tour.
“I think [two games] it’s the best we can hope for – there’s no way you’re going to get three games now, I don’t think that’s feasible.
“The players will want a breather if those results come back as false positives to be sure that everything is fine, so delaying them two days until Tuesday Wednesday would allow that.
“But it all depends on these two tests. If they come back as confirmed positives, then I’m afraid the tour is over and then there are big questions about whether those players should stay.”
Roy Davies, general manager of the Vineyard Hotel, released a statement revealing that staff members had tested positive on Friday and had been in isolation since.
“The Vineyard Hotel can confirm that two staff members tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday, December 4, following a positive test from a South African player on Thursday, December 3,” he said.
“At this stage, it is unclear how the staff members were infected, as none have left the biosecurity area since November 16 and they are not working on the same team or in the same area. Our Covid response team is trying to establish all the facts and contact tracing is underway.
“Our number one priority is the safety and well-being of our staff and guests and we have put all of our resources and efforts into investigating and resolving the situation.
“Both staff members and a player who also tested positive on Friday are currently isolated in on-site apartments some distance from the hotel that have been kept sterile and available for this purpose.”
[ad_2]
