SLC says ‘no positive contacts’
An employee of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has tested positive for Covid-19 and been isolated with immediate effect, the Cricket Board said in an official media communiqué yesterday (3).
“The SLC also took steps to immediately isolate the direct contacts of the infected employee and also has carried out PCR tests of the same today (Sunday). The group was also subjected to antigen tests, and the results have shown ‘negative’,” the statement added.
The infected employee has been found to be Covid-19-positive, following a PCR test carried out on Saturday, 2 January 2021, it revealed.
“In the meantime, SLC will continue to conduct its normal operations with the most essential staff present at the office, whilst the rest will work from home,” the communiqué further said.
[caption id="attachment_111980" align="aligncenter" width="1583"]
Two SLC officials in Colombo tested positive for Covid-19 as the England Test team visited the island yesterday (3) in Hambantota[/caption]
Sources revealed yesterday (3) that two employees of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in Colombo, including a leading figure in its tour organising committee, have tested positive for Covid-19 the very day the England Test team visited Sri Lanka via the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) in Hambantota.
Sources also revealed the contentious fact that one who has tested positive from the tour organising committee of the body has also visited SLC offices at Maitland Place in Colombo on Friday (1) and moved about there, wishing co-staffers for the New Year and mingling among a number of high-ranked officials of the place.
Work from home
The other person who got infected is reportedly a doctor attached to the Ministry of Sports, who works closely with SLC. The two have visited recently together, as unconfirmed reports added, to the Galle International Stadium, the venue of the two Test matches to be played against England.
SLC Human Resources Manager Maj. Tanesh Dias has reportedly informed the staff of SLC to follow the “work from home” policy until further notice from today (4).
England enter bubble
The strange development occurred, unfortunately, the very day about a 40-member-strong England contingent entered their biosecure bubble to quarantine for about two weeks in Hambantota, expecting to start their two-match Test series in Galle from 14 January.
Among the SLC officials who have been advised to undergo PCR tests is reportedly the person who was to be the main liaison officer of the touring English side. He was to join the England contingent yesterday when the mishap took place.
Unlikely to affect matches
In spite of the unexpected nature of the happening, it is highly unlikely to hamper the scheduled Tests which are ten days away from today.
Furthermore, no Colombo contacts have reportedly visited Hambantota, where England are to stay and train until they visit Galle for the Tests.
Two SLC officials in Colombo tested positive for Covid-19 as the England Test team visited the island yesterday (3) in Hambantota[/caption]
Sources revealed yesterday (3) that two employees of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in Colombo, including a leading figure in its tour organising committee, have tested positive for Covid-19 the very day the England Test team visited Sri Lanka via the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) in Hambantota.
Sources also revealed the contentious fact that one who has tested positive from the tour organising committee of the body has also visited SLC offices at Maitland Place in Colombo on Friday (1) and moved about there, wishing co-staffers for the New Year and mingling among a number of high-ranked officials of the place.
Work from home
The other person who got infected is reportedly a doctor attached to the Ministry of Sports, who works closely with SLC. The two have visited recently together, as unconfirmed reports added, to the Galle International Stadium, the venue of the two Test matches to be played against England.
SLC Human Resources Manager Maj. Tanesh Dias has reportedly informed the staff of SLC to follow the “work from home” policy until further notice from today (4).
England enter bubble
The strange development occurred, unfortunately, the very day about a 40-member-strong England contingent entered their biosecure bubble to quarantine for about two weeks in Hambantota, expecting to start their two-match Test series in Galle from 14 January.
Among the SLC officials who have been advised to undergo PCR tests is reportedly the person who was to be the main liaison officer of the touring English side. He was to join the England contingent yesterday when the mishap took place.
Unlikely to affect matches
In spite of the unexpected nature of the happening, it is highly unlikely to hamper the scheduled Tests which are ten days away from today.
Furthermore, no Colombo contacts have reportedly visited Hambantota, where England are to stay and train until they visit Galle for the Tests.