ENG v WI 2020: Phil Simmons in self-isolation after attending funeral; tests twice negative for COVID-19

West Indies coach recently attended the funeral of his father-in-law.

By Rashmi Nanda - 29 Jun, 2020

West Indies head coach Phil Simmons has been in short-term self-isolation as a health precaution amid Coronavirus pandemic after he recently attended the funeral of his father-in-law in Manchester.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has on Sunday (June 28) confirmed Simmons has been self-isolating in his Old Trafford hotel room since returning from the small private family cremation on June 26 (Friday) for his father-in-law. 

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The board also said Phil had sought permission from the board and medical staff to leave the team's bio-secure bubble at Old Trafford to attend the funeral.

The CWI has also revealed that Simmons has tested negative for the COVID-19 after being undergone for tests twice while confirming that the head coach can join the West Indies squad on Thursday after having another required number of negative Coronavirus test on Wednesday (July 1).

For now, the head coach will watch the West Indies team’s second intra-squad warm-up game from his Old Trafford hotel room balcony starting on Monday (June 29). Till Thursday, the West Indies squad will train under the experienced assistant coach Roddy Estwick.

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A CWI statement said, “The entire process of his exit and re-entry to the bio-secure location was approved and managed by the medical teams of CWI and the ECB and strictly followed protocols set up prior to the tour which addressed such scenarios.”

The statement further added, “Phil Simmons adhered to the process of managed exit and re-entry as discussed with and agreed on between CWI and the ECB. These contingencies were put in place before the tour was agreed on and all exits from the bio-secure environment must be agreed by both medical teams, before concessions are given.”

It further reads, “Following his return, Simmons has been in self-isolation away from other members of the squad, exactly as had always been planned. He has so far undergone two COVID-19 tests since Friday – both of which came back negative. He will have another test on Wednesday before he will re-join the squad as they prepare for the three-match series against England.”

Noteworthy, the three-match Test series will get underway from June 8 at The Ages Bowl in Southampton with all the matches that will be played at the empty stadiums and bio-secure venues.

(With AFP Inputs)

By Rashmi Nanda - 29 Jun, 2020

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