MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Australian authorities are urging fans at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) not to laugh too loudly during next week’s third Test against India as the city’s engaging in an outbreak of COVID-19.
The New South Wales (NSW) government restricted movement and tightened rallies in Sydney on Wednesday, as the state registered 18 new cases.
Despite public gatherings capped at 30, authorities have given the green light to a semi-competent crowd at the 48,000-seat SCG, though fans will be asked to keep a top of the call.
“We provide masks on public transport entering the SCG, and advise people to wear a mask when not physically at their seat,” said the New South Wales Chief Health Officer Wales, Kerry Chant, in a press release on Wednesday.
“We also want people to make sure they recognize (rules) around screaming and singing, especially when they are not in their fixed place.”
After weeks without a new case of COVID-19, NSW has recorded more than 100 diseases linked to a recent uprising in the city’s northern shores.
Cricket Australia’s governing body considered moving the third test to Melbourne but on Tuesday confirmed it would go ahead with Sydney as scheduled from 7 January.
The players and staff in Melbourne after the traditional ‘Boxing Day’ test, which India won on Tuesday with eight wikis, are leveling the four-game series at 1-1.
To mitigate the risk, they will stay in Melbourne longer than planned before arriving in Sydney a day or two before the start of the match.
They will also be subject to stricter biosecurity protocols in Sydney, and for the fourth trial in Brisbane.
Australian striker Pat Cummins said it would be difficult for some of the players, some of whom did not spend time with family for months while on tour.
“We will look after everyone as best we can but the priorities are getting through this series safely and everyone wants to play these last two tests,” Cummins told reporters Wednesday.
Edited by Peter Rutherford