Australian tennis Open: international stars affected by Covid impose quarantine rules

The Australian Open has announced a fourth case of coronavirus, with the commissioner warning that some players and their entourage are attempting “dangerous acts” that violate quarantine rules.

COVID-19 Quarantine Commissioner Victoria Emma Cassar made the announcement Sunday afternoon when she noted that several people within the quarantine system had attempted to break strict rules about their mandatory isolation.

The latest case is a member of the broadcast team, who tested positive for COVID-19 after arriving on a flight from Los Angeles.

There are currently 62 people who have been identified as close contacts of the four cases, who will have to undergo 14 days of quarantine.

The emerging virus cases have left many players questioning whether they will be able to practice before the Grand Slam event. Practice for the match is expected to begin Monday.

Tennis Australia has confirmed that no changes will be made to the schedule despite some players saying 14 days of isolation would hamper their performance.

Several players have taken to social media to express their frustration at being stuck in a hotel room for the next two weeks and unable to participate in proper training.

Positive cases will be transferred to Melbourne’s Holiday Inn, and Ms Cassar will tell reporters that some players and support teams who are testing the state’s quarantine regime might not be far behind.

Ms Cassar noted that Victorian officials will issue additional fines and actions for players attempting to break the rules, which are designed to prevent potential coronavirus strains from entering Australia.

“We take all infractions very seriously,” he said.

“For players, that’s a fine of up to $ 20,000, a warning from the police, but what we have also considered today is for those who are persistently non-compliant or unwilling to stay in their rooms, our other option would be to transfer people to the hotel care complex where there is a member of the Victoria Police outside the door. “

Victoria police said they would not comment on individual cases, but “will not hesitate to impose fines for obvious and flagrant violations of any mandatory quarantine requirements.”

The infractions are understood to have been related to players and crew members leaving the rooms to talk to each other.

“Some of these challenging behaviors include a player who opened his door to try to have a conversation with his sparring partner in the hallway,” Ms Cassar said.

“It is very low-level, but they are dangerous acts that we cannot tolerate.”

Another example pointed out by Ms Cassar was a player who yelled food for others inside the hotel, which is allowed, before breaking the rules by opening his door to “praise himself for his great efforts.”

The hotel complex is the Novotel located in the central business district of the city.

Players infected or potentially exposed to the American strain have been denied on-court practice time under Victoria’s quarantine rules.

The results of those affected by the Los Angeles and Abu Dhabi flights are expected to be revealed at 3.30pm on Sunday.

Players who test negative for COVID-19 can start practicing on Monday.