CHRISTCHURCH: At least six members of the Pakistan cricket team have tested positive for the viral coronavirus, New Zealand Cricket has confirmed.
The Pakistani team has also received a final warning for ‘flouting’ the quarantine rules. This has resulted in shame for Pakistan internationally.
New Zealand has largely restricted the virus but these new cases have added to the country’s fight against COVID-19. The players are not allowed to train in their hotel in Christchurch.
NZC said it was “made aware today that six members of the Pakistan touring squad, currently in managed isolation in Christchurch, have tested positive for Covid-19”.
However, the identity of the players was not revealed.
It has been learnt by TPD Investigations Desk that two cases were considered ‘historical cases’ while the remaining four were new cases.
New Zealand’s director general of health, Ashley Bloomfield, said in a statement: “It is a privilege to come to New Zealand to play sport, but in return teams must stick to the rules that are designed to keep Covid-19 out of our communities.”
Bloomfield said CCTV showed members of the tour party breaching social distancing protocols.
“The team as a whole has been issued with a final warning,” he said. “It’s important to note that all incidents of breaches occurred within the facility and there is no risk to the public.”
Only two days ago, the Pakistan Cricket Board had shared these pictures of the team in Christchurch.
