NZ vs PAK: Seventh member of Pakistan squad tests Covid-19 positive
A seventh player from the Pakistan squad has tested positive for coronavirus, New Zealand’s Ministry of Health confirmed. Six other members had previously tested positive, of which two were historical in nature.
“The remainder of the results from the squad’s Day 3 swab testing – apart from the six who have already returned a positive result, are negative,” the media release said.
“The Pakistan cricket team will be next undergoing day six testing as planned. The exemption to train while in managed isolation is on hold pending consideration by the Canterbury DHB medical officer of health that they are satisfied that training is unlikely to transmit COVID-19. This ongoing consideration is expected to take until at least early next week.
All the members of the Pakistani squad had tested negative in Lahore, prior to their departure for New Zealand. They were once again tested upon arrival, before starting their isolation period in Christchurch. This is when six new cases sprung up.
The Pakistani players have reportedly breached several bio-security protocols, including not wearing masks, sharing food and assembling in common spaces. The entire travelling party has now received a warning from New Zealand’s director-general of health. Following the incident, PCB CEO Wasim Khan sent a stern message to the entire team, asking players to act responsibly.
