Australian (Open) Tennis and COVID-19

[Lynda2475]

10 News just reported there was a conference call alst night between AO organisers and 400 players, where AO agreed to lobby the Vic Govt to consider shortening mandatory quarntine. These entitled peeps always want more, they care not for the risk they pose.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Today's Vic DHHS Report

Media Release
19 January 2021

Salient extract to AO.

Victoria has recorded four new cases of coronavirus since yesterday, three of which are related to the Australian Open tennis tournament. That takes the total cases associated with the tournament to seven. Two cases were reclassified due to evidence of previous infection.

The new cases are one female in their 20s and two males in their 30s, all associated with the Australian Open, and one female aged in their 30s who is a returned traveller.

The reclassified cases are one male in their 30s and one male in their 50s. Further investigations are ongoing to determine any other cases of prior infection which can be safely reclassified.

The new positive cases linked to the Australian Open involve two players and one non-playing participant.

While two cases of viral shedding were confirmed yesterday, this does not change broader assessment of the player group in hotel quarantine. As yet, none of the three affected flights have been cleared as a result of the two reclassified cases.

Department of Health and Human Services Victoria | Coronavirus update for Victoria - 19 January 2021

Victoria has recorded four new cases of coronavirus since yesterday, three of which are related to the Australian Open tennis tournament. That takes the total cases associated with the tournament to seven. Two cases were reclassified due to evidence of previous infection.

www.dhhs.vic.gov.au

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

I think one of the tennis reporters indicated that five set matches in the first week will pose a risk of physical injury without adequate training before hand

 

[Pushka]

So you are in support of a CHO decalring one rule for arriving aussies and a different rule for arriving AO particpants? Why do AO deserve special treatment?

The Qld woman referenced in the article had the UK strain, experts deemed she could have still been contagious even after her symptoms subsided, which is why you now need fo 14 full days and get a negative covid test to be released from HQ (not just feel better and go at 10 days).

If Vic CHO goes against the 14 days rule that other states have implemented then they are putting other states at risk, as once in the community those people may travel to (or interact with people that travel to) other states.

After complaining about other states procedures, it is hypocrytical of Vic refuses to not enforce the agreed 14 days for everyone.

Close contacts who were on a plane with a positive case are looking likely to be allowed to leave HQ for 5 hours a day, but people in Sydney LGAs with no cases, who have not been a close contact of any case can not even apply for a permit to enter subject to a negative test - tis a complete joke.

Not at all. That isn't what I stated. If they are an old infection and not infectious then anyone should be released from hard lockdown if authorities are absolutely sure of their facts. This is why I mentioned South Australia CHO as that is exactly what she has done over the course of the pandemic in South Australia. She has released perhaps 6 normal people as a result of further testing. We have not had any AO players test positive in SA but others have been released as a result of old infections.

Post automatically merged: Jan 19, 2021

10 News just reported there was a conference call alst night between AO organisers and 400 players, where AO agreed to lobby the Vic Govt to consider shortening mandatory quarntine. These entitled peeps always want more, they care not for the risk they pose.

This bit I do not agree with however.

 

[Lynda2475]

If they are an old infection and not infectious then anyone should be released from hard lockdown if authorities are absolutely sure of their facts

I dont see the harm in making them do the same 14 days as everyone else. If negative cases have to do full 14 days, why shouldnt recovered covid cases? Whilst not common it is possible to be reinfected, and no one knows yet how long lasting any immunity from prior infection lasts.

Im not a fan of exceptions 14 days for all (longer if you dont test negative and cant prove recovery on day 14).

 

[Pushka]

I dont see the harm in making them do the same 14 days as everyone else. If negative cases have to do full 14 days, why shouldnt recovered covid cases? Whilst not common it is possible to be reinfected, and no one knows yet how long lasting any immunity from prior infection lasts.

Im not a fan of exceptions 14 days for all (longer if you dont test negative and cant prove recovery on day 14).

Agree with the generic 14 day lockdown but there is a difference with the hard lockdown and the lockdown where they can train for 5 hours. That training makes a huge difference for them. Fresh air and exercise and training.

 

[Lynda2475]

Agree with the generic 14 day lockdown but there is a difference with the hard lockdown and the lockdown where they can train for 5 hours. That training makes a huge difference for them. Fresh air and exercise and training.

Sure greater freedoms bring greater health benefits, but i will never agree that it is ok for AO particpants to have a right to fresh air and outdoor exercise for 5 hours a day when we dont offer our returning Aussies any guarntee of fresh air (let alone an opportunity for outside exercise).

 

[RooFlyer]

The government has nothing to do with determining whether or not a case is shedding or not. Neither technically does the Dept of health in VIC have the whole power to do this as it is assessed by an expert panel which has multiple members on it so it can't be controlled by one person or an agenda....

But don't let facts get in the way of a good vent

Sorry, I think you missed the point of my post. 'Viral shedding' has been used as an excuse for positive Covid tests associated with the Australian Open Tennis not to be a concern. I was making the point that the 'viral shedding' excuse isn't available to regular Victorian punters who might rock up to Victoria's border with a positive covid test result. Its "B*** - off, mate and we'll fine you if you try that one on again"

I really couldn't give a stuff about spoiled tennis brats, and if the Victorians want extra positive covid cases flown into their state, amongst a group who have exhibited such a state of entitlement, plain boorishness and covid recklessness, so they shouldn't be trusted observing protocols (as has been demonstrated already) then good luck to 'em. But its the sheer hypocrisy of the government, and its apologists, who breathlessly defend the border measures against Victorian residents trying to get back home (still 1,000 applications for 'passes' still outstanding today, I read) and then defend the extra covid cases brought in by the tennis, that bugs me. But, like most such things, they are easily dismissed, and equanimity returns.

 

[Pushka]

Sure greater freedoms bring greater health benefits, but i will never agree that it is ok for AO particpants to have a right to fresh air and outdoor exercise for 5 hours a day when we dont offer our returning Aussies any guarntee of fresh air (let alone an opportunity for outside exercise).

Yes, understand. In general I think it's very unfortunate/unfair that the AO was given all these exceptions. Or that they are even here in the first place. I just hope it doesn't bite Vic where none of us need it too.

 

[RooFlyer]

Two tennis players and a non-playing Australian Open participant among the four new cases in Victoria today.

But no problem! Nothing to see here, move along ... Its the Tennis! Ra ra ra.

 

[zenyattamondatta]

Victoria Azarenka

VA is well known for sticking up for herself so I wouldn’t be surprised if she withdraws and asks to return to the US.

So *that* didn't happen.

Victoria Azarenka appeals to Australian Open players to show 'empathy' during hotel lockdown

Former women's world number one Victoria Azarenka says all players in quarantine need to be respectful of what the Victorian community experienced while in lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic.

www.abc.net.au

 

[Toula92122]

I doubt Vika would have even considered withdrawing no matter the circumstances. The Vika from 5 years ago might have been mouthy about the situation, but since having a child and becoming the breadwinner for her son in the twilight of her career, having lost so much of the past 5 years to injury and time out due to custody battles, I believe her focus would be getting out on that court come what may and doing what she can to maximise her winnings, making the most of her opportunities.

I have to say kudos to the Aussie contingent, well with the exception of Tomic, they are all laying low and not bragging about what's going on with their preparation. They are being respectful by not rubbing it in the faces of those in quarantine.

 

[dajop]

You know what, as with everything is this pandemic, the *(@#*&#@*&( ridiculous media is lapping this up. " DRAMA AT THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN AS PLAYERS SAY THEY ARE FACING PRISON LIKE CONDITIONS" (heard on Channel 7 newsbreak). Well der! That's what all of have faced who've travelled back to Australia in the last 10 months. Except the digs are from what I understand a lot nicer than a prison (never been in a prison, but I'm pretty sure the bedding and bathroom facilities are superior). Complaining players should be sent home and the prize money pooled to bring Australians home instead, who would be happy to take their place in hotel quarantine.

Also, whether it's The Age, 7, etc I'm boycotting all this ridiculous click bait media. Everything is a drama. I'm beginning to wonder if the AO is here just so the media can generate faux drama to drive advertising revenue. Forget the tennis, it's all about the manufactured BS.

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

You know what, as with everything is this pandemic, the *(@#*&#@*&( ridiculous media is lapping this up. " DRAMA AT THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN AS PLAYERS SAY THEY ARE FACING PRISON LIKE CONDITIONS" (heard on Channel 7 newsbreak). Well der! That's what all of have faced who've travelled back to Australia in the last 10 months. Except the digs are from what I understand a lot nicer than a prison (never been in a prison, but I'm pretty sure the bedding and bathroom facilities are superior). Complaining players should be sent home and the prize money pooled to bring Australians home instead, who would be happy to take their place in hotel quarantine.

Also, whether it's The Age, 7, etc I'm boycotting all this ridiculous click bait media. Everything is a drama. I'm beginning to wonder if the AO is here just so the media can generate faux drama to drive advertising revenue. Forget the tennis, it's all about the manufactured BS.

Don’t sweat it. The media has nothing on AFF thread for drama!

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Nothing you have stated disproves what I have said - the plane was held, it was an 11th hour review. Yes he provided the information for review, but he didnt have that permission at the point he boarded the plane, the approval came through after boarding and but before plane departed. No normal person would be given this benefit.

What confirmation do you have that he boarded the plane and then was given permission to be on the flight only after that?

The reports I have read were that he was given permission to board the flight :
MELBOURNE—Tennys Sandgren was granted special permission to board a chartered flight from Los Angeles bound for the Australian Open in Melbourne on Wednesday despite testing positive for COVID-19 earlier in the week, Tennis Australia said.

Read more: Sandgren allowed to board Australian Open flight despite positive test

Tennys even tweeted on how they were trying to get him on the plane and how he and his bags were not on board 15 minutes after it was originally scheduled to depart. It sounds like to me that they were checking on something and would not allow him to board till they had.



Once the approval came through he was allowed to board.




But I am sure that you have the media reports that you can share of how permission was gained only after he was on the plane.

 

[kamchatsky]

10 News just reported there was a conference call alst night between AO organisers and 400 players, where AO agreed to lobby the Vic Govt to consider shortening mandatory quarntine. These entitled peeps always want more, they care not for the risk they pose.

That is called politics. AO will "lobby" for more freedom to please the players, knowing that the answer is a big fat No.

 

[dajop]

One thing it does highlight is how expectations differ and how things are being managed here in the Victoria and Australia as a whole (+ throw in Singapore, NZ, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, etc for good measure) vs the much of the rest of the world. It's a bit like the FT'ers complaining about the lack of F awards/seats available on SQ from the US to SIN so they can travel to Bali for their holidays ....

 

[lovetravellingoz]

That is called politics. AO will "lobby" for more freedom to please the players, knowing that the answer is a big fat No.

Yes.. It will we tried, but they said no...

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Today's Vic DHHS Report

Media Release
19 January 2021

Salient extract to AO.

Victoria has recorded four new cases of coronavirus since yesterday, three of which are related to the Australian Open tennis tournament. That takes the total cases associated with the tournament to seven. Two cases were reclassified due to evidence of previous infection.

The new cases are one female in their 20s and two males in their 30s, all associated with the Australian Open, and one female aged in their 30s who is a returned traveller.

The reclassified cases are one male in their 30s and one male in their 50s. Further investigations are ongoing to determine any other cases of prior infection which can be safely reclassified.

The new positive cases linked to the Australian Open involve two players and one non-playing participant.

While two cases of viral shedding were confirmed yesterday, this does not change broader assessment of the player group in hotel quarantine. As yet, none of the three affected flights have been cleared as a result of the two reclassified cases.

Department of Health and Human Services Victoria | Coronavirus update for Victoria - 19 January 2021

Victoria has recorded four new cases of coronavirus since yesterday, three of which are related to the Australian Open tennis tournament. That takes the total cases associated with the tournament to seven. Two cases were reclassified due to evidence of previous infection.

www.dhhs.vic.gov.au

Note that while some media sources such as The Australian have reported that Two Australian Open tennis players are among the four people who tested positive to COVID-19 in Victorian hotel quarantine in the 24 hours to Tuesday that the wording by the VicDHHS was involve two players and so may mean people in a player's team (a team being the player and anyone in that players group including their support staff) and not necessarily the player.

Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said in a statement the three new positive cases linked to the Australian Open "involve two players and one non-playing participant".


Craig Tilley has also indicated:

 

[jakeseven7]

And nother tennis brat walks back their complaint, apologising to Australia

——

Tennis champ sorry for quarantine rant​

World number 13 Roberto Bautista Agut has issued a grovelling apology after slamming Australia’s hotel quarantine program yesterday.

In a video shared on Twitter, the Spanish champ hit out at the mandatory 14-day isolation period, saying it was "like a jail" and branding the situation a "complete disaster".

But he took back his words in a later statement after his initial comments sparked widespread condemnation.

“I want to apologise to everyone who has been offended by the video that was posted about me recently," the statement reads.

“I thank all the people who are making playing tennis again possible. As well as all those who are fighting Covid-19 everyday. The management that has been made in Australia to prevent the spread of the virus is admirable.”

Blow to Aussies as mutant threat revealed

Australia will force returned travellers infected with a mutant strain of COVID-19 into an extended period of quarantine.

www.news.com.au