Coronavirus outbreak: Australian players react to government's self-isolation policy
What's the story
Australian ODI skipper Aaron Finch and opener David Warner questioned the effectiveness of the government's self-isolation policy to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. As per the announcement by the government, any foreigner arriving in the country will be forced into self-isolation for 14 days starting March 15 in order to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. Here is more.
Ambiguity
Finch raised concern over the policy
The decision taken by the government on Sunday has left the Australian skipper baffled. Finch responded to Australian sports journalist Veronica Eggleton's tweet, which read, "Genuine question- how does the government know if new arrivals are actually self-isolating?" Retweeting her, Finch wrote, "Have been wondering the same thing!!" David Warner further added, "Or, what about the Uber/taxi/bus/train they catch from the airport to their place."
Twitter Post
Finch and Warner cast their doubts about self-isolation policy
Or, what about the uber/taxi/bus/train they catch from the airport to their place.
— David Warner (@davidwarner31) March 15, 2020
Mitchell McClenaghan
McClenaghan gets into self-quarantine
New Zealand pacer Mitchell McClenaghan, who left the ongoing Pakistan Super League midway, informed his fans about self-isolation. Over a dozen players opted out of the league following the pandemic. "Straight home into isolation, get home to this note from my legendary wife who's gone to stay with her parents for a few weeks. See you guys in 14 days," his tweet read.
Twitter Post
Mitchell McClenaghan posted his picture on Twitter
Straight home into isolation, get home to this note from my legendary wife who’s gone to stay with her parents for a few weeks. See you guys in 14 days 👌 pic.twitter.com/GjEo4n4Vhk
— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) March 15, 2020
Impact
Coronavirus has severely impacted various cricket series
The coronavirus scare led to suspension of the ODI series between Australia and New Zealand. Australia won the first ODI which was played behind closed doors, while the remaining two were called-off later. Similarly, South Africa departed after the ODI series against India was scrapped. The Indian Premier League has also been postponed from March 29 to April 15.
Other sports
Various sports events have been deferred
The entire sports community has been disarrayed in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. A number of leagues across various sports have been either suspended or postponed amid the alarming crisis. Several events like Premier League, UEFA Champions League and Europa League have been postponed. In addition to this, three NBA players have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.