Sydney players and coaches test negative, multiple teams could be impacted by New South Wales' COVID scare
The Sydney Swans have confirmed that all players and football staff have received negative COVID-19 tests as the situation in NSW continues to develop.
NSW Heath revealed on Thursday morning that a household contact of the original mystery case had tested positive, but no other cases had been detected in the past 24 hours.
Coaches Dean Cox, Don Pyke and Jarrad McVeigh visited a café listed as a casual exposure site and had tested negative after being forced into isolation.
The club also confirmed that senior coach John Longmire had visited the café in question outside of the exposure period, but also was tested as a precaution.
Amid reports that their game against Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday night could be in doubt, the Swans confirmed they’re continuing to prepare for the game as normal.
EARLIER
The AFL is on “red alert” for more fixtures impacted by COVID-19, according to Eddie McGuire.
One case of COVID-19 was reported in the community in New South Wales on Wednesday, with multiple games potentially impacted because of it.
McGuire reported on Footy Classified that Sydney will likely fly to Victoria 24 hours earlier than normal for their clash with Melbourne on Saturday night.
We saw earlier in the year the Lions remain in Victoria to avoid getting stuck in Brisbane during their own COVID scare.
McGuire said the Swans have been told to “pack their bags”, just in case an extended stay in Melbourne is required.
Geelong’s players and staff, who played Sydney in Sydney last week, are currently undergoing COVID tests.
“The early indications are that they are okay (Geelong),” McGuire said.
McGuire adds that the GWS versus Essendon game scheduled for Giants Stadium currently has three scenarios in place.
As things stand, the Bombers will fly in and fly out, travelling in a bubble as North Melbourne did when they faced Fremantle in Round 6.
The game could also be moved to Canberra or worst-case Melbourne should more COVID cases be reported.
Moving the game to Victoria would impact the fixture, with Marvel Stadium and the MCG both already in use on the day of the Giants/Bombers game.
“The next 24 hours will be the tale of the tape,” McGuire finished.
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