Sydney, Jan 20 : Positive Covid-19 tests attributed to two Australian Open players are now suspected to be instances of ‘virus shedding’ following evidence of past infections, authorities confirmed on Wednesday.
Victoria’s Minister for Emergency Services Lisa Neville has clarified the total number of cases linked to the event that weren’t considered shedding was seven, none of which were players, reports Xinhua news agency.
Neville explained that one of the players initially reported as positive on Tuesday was in hotel lockdown and was reclassified as a virus shedding case, while the other who tested positive along with a support staff member was also suspected to be a case of virus shedding, which health officials were working to confirm.
Instances of positive cases on three flights arriving in Australia last week led to 72 players being considered close contacts and forced to isolate in their hotel rooms, despite previously being told they would be able to train for five hours per day.
Players continued to voice their discontent on social media, prompting a backlash from Australians, particularly those in Melbourne who endured one of the world’s longest lockdowns in the latter months of last year.
However Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said most players understood why they had to quarantine and were fully cooperating with authorities.
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