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ix members of the Pakistan cricket squad have tested positive for COVID-19 on arrival in New Zealand ahead of three scheduled T20 matches and two test matches against New Zealand.
The Pakistan squad has been told their exemption to practice while in managed isolation will be withheld until an investigation has been completed, with the six members who tested positive moved from managed isolation into quarantine.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said in a statement New Zealand’s Ministry of Health found closed-circuit television footage showing some members of the Pakistan squad breached Coronavirus protocols in their first day in managed isolation.
“We will be having discussions with the tourists to assist them in understanding the requirements,” NZC said.
“NZC considers public health and safety to be paramount in the hosting of international teams and is supportive of the Ministry of Health and government position,” the statement said.
NZC said all players were tested for the virus on four separate occasions before departing from Lahore for New Zealand, with all players having tested negative.
It is understood four of the cases are new and two were labelled “historical”.
“As a consequence, the Pakistan team’s exemption to train while in managed isolation has been put on hold until investigations have been completed,” NZC said.
New Zealand’s Ministry of Health said those with positive tests will be required to stay in quarantine rooms within the Christchurch facility and no members are allowed to leave the facility, confirming there is no risk to the public due to all breaches occurring within the facility.
“Since their arrival, several team members have been seen on CCTV at the facility breaching managed isolation rules, despite clear, consistent and detailed communication of expected behaviours while in the facility,” New Zealand Ministry of Health said in a statement.
“The team as a whole has been issued with a final warning.”
