Australian Open build-up disrupted by hotel worker’s positive coronavirus test

The build-up to next week’s Australian Open is facing disruption after a man working at one of Melbourne’s quarantine hotels tested positive for coronavirus.
As many as 600 players and officials connected to the tournament, which is due to get under way on Monday, will go into isolation following the worker’s positive result.
They will be allowed out of quarantine when they return a negative coronavirus swab, Australian Open organisers said in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said at a press conference on Wednesday evening Australian time that a 26-year-old man, who last worked at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Melbourne on January 29, had tested positive for the virus.
He added that Thursday’s schedule at six of the warm-up events at Melbourne Park could be affected – later confirmed by organisers – but the development is not expected to have any impact on the opening tennis major of the year.
Andrews told local media: “A 26-year-old man has tested positive for coronavirus.
“He had been working as a resident support officer as part of the Australian Open quarantine programme. He is now in a health hotel.
“There’s a number of about 500 to 600 players and officials and others who are casual contacts and they will be isolating until they get a negative test and that work will be done (on Thursday).
“It may have an impact in (Thursday’s) play in the lead-up event but at this stage there’s no impact to the tournament proper.
“I am confident that we all know what to do, that we have got this in good time, and we are working as hard as we possibly can.
“People will be working throughout the evening, and for as long as it takes, to track down every single close contact and to essentially contain and smother this.”
Seventy-two players and officials were confined to their Melbourne hotel rooms for a fortnight following positive Covid-19 cases on flights that had taken them to the country.
Health Authorities have advised us that a Hotel Quarantine worker has tested positive for COVID-19. Those associated with the AO who quarantined at the hotel now need to be tested and isolate until they receive a negative test result.
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 3, 2021
On Thursday morning in Melbourne, Australian Open organisers said in a statement: “Health authorities have advised us that a hotel quarantine worker has tested positive for Covid-19.
“Those associated with the AO who quarantined at the hotel now need to be tested and isolate until they receive a negative test result.
“We will work with everyone involved to facilitate testing as quickly as possible.
“There will be no matches at Melbourne Park on Thursday, February 4 2021. An update on the schedule for Friday will be announced later (on Thursday).”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
ATP Tour
Roger Federer hopes to return to ‘100 per cent’ fitness in time for Wimbledon
Federer has needed two operations to correct a long-standing knee issue.
-
WTA Tour
On This Day in 2016: Maria Sharapova reveals positive drugs test
The five-time Grand Slam winner would ultimately be banned from tennis for 15 months.
-
News
Francisco Cerundolo eyeing remarkable family first ahead of Argentina Open final
Cerundolo is looking to emulate his younger brother Juan Manuel by winning his first ATP title.
-
WTA Tour
Classy Petra Kvitova in dominant form as she eases to Qatar Open title
Petra Kvitova stormed to her 28th career title and second at the Qatar Open win with a 6-2, 6-1 rout of Garbine Muguruza in Doha.
-
ATP Tour
WATCH: Roger Federer practices in Doha as he learns his fate in the draw
Roger Federer could face a clash against Britain’s Dan Evans in the first match of his comeback event in Doha.
-
ATP Tour
Andrey Rublev’s stunning run of form continues as beats Stefanos Tsitsipas
Andrey Rublev stirmed into his fourth straight ATP 500 final with a 6-3, 7-6(2) victory against Stefanos Tsitsipas in Rotterdam.
-
ATP Tour
Roger Federer sends fans crazy with a social media post ahead of his return to action
The moment Roger Federer fans have waited almost a years to see is nearly here as he prepares to return to action next week.
-
WTA Tour
Garbine Muguruza into the final in Qatar after Victoria Azarenka pulls out
Victoria Azarenka withdrew ahead of the Qatar Total Open semi-finals to send Garbine Muguruza.
-
ATP Tour
Stefanos Tsitsipas sets up showdown with Andrey Rublev in Rotterdam
Stefanos Tsitsipas is into the semi-finals of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam.
-
News
Lawn Tennis Association determined to show commitment to inclusion and diversity
Seven people from diverse backgrounds have been appointed to the LTA Council.