NZ maintains Pakistan training ban as Covid-19 cases surge

WELLINGTON: New Zealand health officials refused to lit a ban on Pakistan’s coronavirushit cricket team training during quarantine on Friday ater the touring party’s number of infections climbed to 10.

The team were confined to their rooms when the first cases emerged last week but had hoped to resume training before finishing their stint in isolation on Tuesday.

However, health chiefs said the risk of further infections was too great. Ten people among the 53-member tour party have tested positive for Covid-19 while completing two weeks of isolation in Christchurch.

“I have very carefully considered this situation,” director-general of health Ashley Bloomfield said in a statement.

“At this time, I continue to have ongoing concerns about the risk of cross-infection within the squad.”

The decision means that Pakistan’s cricketers will have only 10 days to prepare for their first tour match, a Twenty20 international in Auckland on Dec.18, and probably less when travel is factored in.

Bloomfield said the decision was prompted by the number of active cases detected among the squad.

“Public health considerations will continue to be foremost in our response to Covid-19, whether this involves individuals or teams,” he said.

“We appreciate the challenges that this decision will have for the touring team.”

Bloomfield issued the team with a “final warning” last week for flouting social distancing protocols at their hotel and no further breaches have been reported since.

The tourists arrived in New Zealand on Nov.24 and are scheduled to play three T20s and two Tests. The PCB, which has not identified those who tested positive, said all those who return negative tests are expected to be able to train in managed isolation.

Ater another round of testing on Sunday, all the players who clear the 14-day health check will be allowed to leave the managed isolation facility.

“The PCB has been maintaining a close contact with the Pakistan team management in New Zealand and have kept them updated on the return to training process,” the board said in a statement.