Cricket: Six Pakistani Players Test Positive for Covid-19, Violate Rules While in Managed Isolation in Christchurch

Six Pakistani cricketers tested positive for Covid-19, while the entire team received a “final warning” from the government for violating the rules while in managed isolation in Christchurch.

The development has called into question the team’s preparation for their upcoming Twenty20 and the test series against the Black Caps.

In a statement, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed that the players had returned positive tests while in administered isolation in Christchurch and will be transferred to the facility’s quarantine arm, in accordance with government protocol.

Two of these six results have been considered “historic”; four have been confirmed as new.
As a consequence, the Pakistan team’s exemption to train while in administered isolation has been suspended until investigations are completed, NZC said.

Furthermore, NZC has also been aware that some members of the Pakistan team had violated protocols on the first day of managed isolation.

“We will have conversations with tourists to help them understand the requirements,” the statement read.

Pakistan will face the Black Caps in three T20 internationals and two Tests, with the first match on December 18.

The Health Ministry revealed that several team members have been seen on CCTV at the facility violating the rules of managed isolation, despite “clear, consistent and detailed communication of expected behaviors while in the facility.”

In a statement, the Ministry said that the team as a whole has received a final warning.

All team members tested negative for Covid-19 and passed a symptom check before leaving Lahore.

Fifty-three members of the squad arrived in Christchurch on November 24 and were examined on the first day, with all six cases occurring as a result of testing.

All cases will be transferred to quarantine rooms within the Chateau on the Park hotel facilities. Team members will be tested a minimum of four times while in managed isolation.

The Canterbury District Board of Health Medical Health Officer sent a letter to team management to communicate to the entire team, reinforcing that all team members must remain in their rooms until instructed to do so. contrary.

Chief Health Officer Dr. Ashley Bloomfield said that any breaches of the rules of managed isolation were taken very seriously.

“It is a privilege to come to New Zealand to play sports, but in return teams must adhere to rules designed to keep Covid-19 out of our communities and keep our staff safe.”

Air Commodore Darryn Webb, Head of Managed Isolation and Quarantine, said there are robust processes in place at managed isolation facilities to respond to these events.
“Our goal is to keep the rest of the team and our staff safe. For that reason, all other team members must remain in their rooms while investigations continue. This is in line with standard operating procedures in managed isolation facilities. “.

More to come