After returning midway from their now indefinitely postponed trip to India, players of the South African squad have been asked to self-quarantine for the next two weeks due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Cricket South Africa's (CSA) chief medical officer Dr Shuaib Manjra confirmed that the whole squad has been told to isolate themselves and that they will be tested for the deadly virus in case any symptoms are observed.
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"We have recommended the players social distance themselves from others and self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days," PTI quoted Manjra as saying. "I think that is proper guidance to protect themselves, people around them, their families and their communities."
“In that period, if any of them have symptoms or any other factors that is cause for concern, we will ensure this is investigated appropriately and managed accordingly with the protocols that are in place."
The first ODI of Proteas' three-match series versus India in Dharamshala got washedout last Thursday (March 12). The visitors were then due to play in Lucknow and Kolkata on March 15 & 18, respectively.
It was announced that the last two ODIs will be played behind closed doors as the BCCI decided to bar fans from turning up in order to avoid potential COVID-19 spread.
However, the series was then entirely suspended as BCCI and CSA mutually agreed to reschedule it for the next best possible occasion.
“Some of the players wore masks while we were travelling. Others decided not to wear masks – that was up to them. We were pretty isolated during travel and largely immunised from the outside world," said Manjra, describing the journey back home.
“We have looked at the recommendations made for different countries by the World Health Organisation and other authoritative bodies," he added. "We have since educated the players about the disease – what it is, what it means, what its symptoms are."
“We have educated them on how to monitor themselves about temperature and the other symptoms that come with COVID-19. Our experts remain available to them, even after the tour."
(Inputs from PTI)
