MCG spectator at Ind-Aus Women’s T20 World Cup final diagnosed with COVID-19

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). (Photo: IANS)


The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is now a coronavirus exposure site as a spectator who attended the Women’s T20 World Cup final between India and Australia on March 8 has tested positive for COVID-19.

In a statement, the Melbourne Cricket Ground management, however, insisted that the risk of him infecting others was low.

“…a person who attended the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final at the MCG on Sunday, March 8 has now been diagnosed with COVID-19,” read the statement.

“The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has advised of the patron’s diagnosis and has classified it as a low-risk of spreading COVID-19 to surrounding members of the public and staff. The patron sat on Level 2 of the Northern Stand at the MCG in section N42,” it added.

The match, which saw Australia beat first-time finalists India by 85 runs to clinch their fifth Women’s T20 World Cup trophy, was attended by a record crowd of 86,174 people.

“The DHHS recommends that those who were seated in N42 at Sunday’s event should continue to go about their normal routine, with an increased focus on hygiene measures, and should any flu-like symptoms emerge to consult with a medical professional.”

Australia are going to host New Zealand in the three-match ODI series beginning Friday in Sydney. Head coach Justin Langer has stated that unlike England cricket team, Australia will continue to shake hands as they have “enough hand sanitisers” in their kits.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday declared coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.