Australia-India Boxing Day Test Declared Possible Covid Hotspot | Cricket News

A spectator at Australia’s showpiece Boxing Day Test in opposition to India has examined optimistic for coronavirus, authorities mentioned Wednesday, warning followers seated close by that they have to get examined and isolate. State well being authorities mentioned the person in his thirties was not infectious whereas on the famed Melbourne Cricket Ground on the second day of play “but there is potential he acquired the virus while there” or at a close-by buying centre. “The MCG is being investigated as a potential source for the infection,” Victoria’s Department of Health mentioned.

“We’re encouraging anyone who was in The Great Southern Stand, zone 5 of the MCG between 12.30pm and 3.30pm on 27 December, to get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result.” 

The Boxing Day Test is a centrepiece of Australia’s sporting calendar and slightly below 30,000 individuals attended this 12 months, effectively in need of capability.  

Despite having been largely freed from Covid-19, Australia is presently battling to deliver a cluster of circumstances below management and hoping aggressive testing and phone tracing will help keep away from full-scale lockdowns. 

The information comes on the eve of the third Test between Australia and India, which has precipitated some controversy by being performed in Sydney, the epicentre of a current outbreak.

The variety of spectators has been restricted to 25 p.c of seating capability as a way to be sure that it doesn’t develop into a mass spreading occasion. 

Authorities in New South Wales mentioned the revelation from Melbourne was “obviously influencing our thinking” about how the Sydney Test would proceed, with out elaborating.

India’s tour Down Under has been beset with Covid-19 associated issues. 

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Five gamers have been criticised for seemingly breaching the crew’s biosecurity bubble by going out to a restaurant. 

And there are nonetheless questions on whether or not the 2 groups must quarantine earlier than the ultimate Test in Brisbane subsequent week.