#CoronavirusOutbreak: Kiwi cricketers in self-isolation after returning from Australia
New Zealand cricketers and support staff members are into a 14-day self-isolation period after returning from their aborted Australia tour, due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. After playing one ODI behind closed doors, the entire tour was called off. NZ Cricket confirmed that all 15 players and support staff members who returned from Sydney last weekend have gone into lockdown at home.
What happened during the AUS-NZ series?
New Zealand were scheduled to play three ODIs and as many T20s but the Chappell-Hadlee series was called off. The Kane Williamson-led side had lost the first match by 71 runs. In between, fast bowler Lockie Ferguson was kept under isolation after he reported a sore throat. However, he tested negative for the coronavirus. Prior to that, Australia's Kane Richardson complained about sore throat.
Black Caps have all gone into self-isolation
"They [Black Caps players and touring staff] have all gone into self-isolation," New Zealand Cricket's public affairs manager Richard Boock told stuff.co.nz. "We've passed on all the details about what self-isolation means and as far as we know they're all following it strictly," he added.
NZC take a leaf out from BCCI's book
Taking a leaf out of BCCI's book, the NZC also asked its Auckland headquarters employees to work from on a trial basis. NZC's Auckland headquarters will also have a trial self-isolation day on Friday where staff will work from home. Meanwhile, the BCCI shut down its headquarter in Mumbai from Tuesday with its employees being advised to work from home.
The government directive issued out
On Wednesday, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had advised all returning travellers to self-isolate for two weeks amid the coronavirus outbreak. This was even if the concerned people arrived in the country before the March 14 cut-off.
More than 10,000 people have lost their lives
The coronavirus pandemic has caused a worldwide catastrophe with all sport being cancelled or postponed. The deadly virus has claimed more than 10,000-plus lives already with numbers increasing drastically day by day.
