Covid 19 coronavirus: West Indies cricket team violates quarantine rules; a new case

All members of the West Indies men’s cricket team will now be denied further training privileges after breaking the rules of administered isolation within their Christchurch facility, the Health Ministry says.

The team, in New Zealand for a tour, are in the managed isolation facility at the Chateau on the Park in Christchurch.

The first game, between the West Indies and the Black Caps, is scheduled for November 27. The first T20 is scheduled for Eden Park on November 27, followed by two matches at Mt Maunganui.

The New Zealand tour was approved subject to final Covid-19 medical protocols approved by the CWI Medical Advisory Committee and regional government health and aviation officials.

“Following an investigation, it was confirmed that team members had repeatedly violated managed isolation rules. Many of these incidents have been captured on CCTV and have also been reported by staff. The incidents include groups mixing and sharing food. It is important to note that all the incidents occurred within the hotel facilities and there is no risk to the public, ”said the health ministry.

“As with other sports teams that have come to New Zealand, the West Indies cricket team received certain exemptions from the managed isolation rules that apply to everyone else. This included being able to be in bigger bubbles and training. in preparation for their international games, “said Chief Health Officer Dr. Ashley Bloomfield.

“It is a privilege to come here, but in return they have to stick to the rules. Keeping Covid-19 out of our communities and keeping our staff safe depends on it. They didn’t, even though they agreed to abide by the parameters. of the exemption.

It comes as the ministry revealed a new case of Covid in managed isolation.

Today’s case arrived on November 3 from Romania via Qatar and Australia. They are a family member from a previous case of managed isolation and had already been transferred to the Auckland quarantine facility.

NZ Cricket said it learned yesterday that some members of the West Indies team had “violated protocols” within the managed isolation facility in Christchurch.

“These incidents included some players compromising the integrity of the bubble by sharing food and socializing in the hallways,” NZC said.

“There is no evidence, or suggestion, that any member of the touring group has left the premises, or that any unauthorized person has accessed.”

However, NZC said it supported the decision of the Ministry of Health and Government to revoke the team’s exemptions.

“Public health and safety has always been our primary focus when hosting equipment abroad and this continues to be our number one priority.”

The West Indies team had its final Covid-19 tests today and, results permitting, was scheduled to leave administered isolation on Friday.

The original plan was for the team to travel to Queenstown before two preparation matches against New Zealand A.

Who will be the first in line to receive the Pfizer vaccine?

Vulnerable people and front-line Covid-19 workers, including border and healthcare personnel, are likely to be the first to receive the Pfizer vaccine when it becomes available.

People most susceptible to Covid-19 include older communities, as well as Maori and Pasifika, says Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods.

The Health Ministry was still working out the details, but Woods said there would be three priority groups: those at risk of spreading Covid, those at risk of contracting Covid, and those at higher risk of increased mortality and morbidity with Covid.

Frontline Covid response workers fit into the first category, Woods said.

“And we know that in New Zealand, the Maori and Pasifika identify with many of those indicators that fit into that [latter] category.

“Equity of access as needed will be an incredibly important piece of work in immunization strategy