Three COVID-19 cases have been detected among 47 players who arrived on two flights to participate in the first Grand Slam of the year.
Organizers of the Australian Open announced that all 47 players would be subjected to quarantine. Additionally, more than 20 players arriving from Los Angeles to Melbourne, the host city for next month's event, will undergo strict quarantine in a hotel after a crew member and a non-player participant tested positive for the coronavirus.
Later, another non-player passenger on a flight from Abu Dhabi tested positive, prompting organizers to place an additional 23 players into hotel quarantine. In a statement, the organizers confirmed that the three players who tested positive for the virus were moved to a health hotel. They explained that the players would not be able to leave their hotel rooms for 14 days until they are medically cleared. Moreover, they will not be permitted to train.
This decision creates an uneven preparation environment for the players ahead of the tournament, which has been noted by several players who are in quarantine. It is worth mentioning that Australia has agreed to allow around 1,200 players, officials, and staff arriving on 15 flights to participate in the major sporting event scheduled for next month.
