Another cricketer positive

An eighth member of Pakistan’s cricket squad has tested positive for Covid-19.

The Ministry of Health said it was the only coronavirus case to report in New Zealand yesterday.

The team member was one of three cases reported on Tuesday as being under investigation, but now had a confirmed active infection. The ministry said the two other cases remained under investigation.

The team is not allowed to train until the Canterbury District Health Boardmedical officer of health is satisfied any training activities are unlikely to transmit the virus.

The team, which is staying at the Chateau on the Park in Christchurch, was previously slammed by director-general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield for breaching rules inside the facility.

The Pakistan Cricket Board responded to yesterday’s announcement, saying it is ‘‘engaging in ongoing cooperation and discussions’’ with the relevant authorities in New Zealand.

‘‘The management and the players are fully supportive of the process and keen to get back on to the field as soon as they are compliant with the New Zealand Government rules,’’ it said in a statement to Pakistan media obtained by Stuff.

It said that two of the eight positive cases were deemed to be ‘‘historic’’, and so not infectious.

Ninth day testing will be held today and the board said those who continue to return negative tests will be allowed to resume training inmanaged isolation, subject to Ministry of Health approval. It is understood that the Pakistan camp has been given strong indications that resumption of training will not pose an issue, provided that the remaining period of isolation is free of any breaches.

Their tour opens on December 18 in Auckland.