Players at this month’s Australian Open won’t be required to take COVID-19 checks and will play even when that they had the virus, match director Craig Tiley stated on Monday.
The well being coverage, which Tiley stated mirrored what was taking place within the wider neighborhood, is a marked change from strict protocols which surrounded the match over the previous two years.
The 2021 match came about in a biosecure bubble with spectators shut out for a number of days after an outbreak of the virus in the neighborhood, whereas final yr nine-times champion Novak Djokovic was deported due to his stance on vaccines.
“We just wanted to follow what’s currently in the community,” Tiley informed reporters at Melbourne Park.
“We have gone a step further by making a recommendation around staying away when you’re ill, and that our medical staff will continue to monitor that, with the players individually as well.”
Cricketer Matt Renshaw continued to play for Australia in a five-day check match in opposition to South Africa in Sydney final week regardless of testing optimistic for COVID.
The batsman was remoted from his staff mates for the primary three days of the match however returned to the house dressing room after a number of detrimental checks.
“We’ve made it clear to our players, as well as our staff, if anyone is feeling unwell, stay home,” Tiley added.
“It’s a normalised environment for us and, not dissimilar to the cricket, there will potentially be players that will compete with COVID.”
Melbourne endured among the longest and strictest lockdowns on the planet on the peak of the pandemic however suggestions have lengthy since changed mandates because the cornerstone of public well being coverage within the metropolis.