The Australian state of Victoria will lockdown for five days in a bid to curb the spread of a more contagious coronavirus variant; meaning the Australian Open will go without fans.
Authorities have identified 13 new cases tied to an employee of a quarantined hotel in Melbourne; who tested positive for the so-called United Kingdom coronavirus variant on Monday.
“The UK strain is moving at a velocity that has not been seen anywhere in our country, and this is the advice I have been given by our health experts,” Victoria’s Premier Daniel Andrews said during a news conference on Friday. “In terms of how the tennis will comply, I will let them speak, [but] sporting events will function as a workplace but not for entertainment because there will be no crowds.”
“I understand that many people will be concerned and anxious, but I am confident that if we stick together, this short, sharp circuit breaker will be effective. I want to be here next Wednesday announcing that these restrictions are coming off.”
The Tournament
Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said event organizers planned for the potential of playing in a bubble environment.
“Play will continue; the players will compete in a bubble not dissimilar to what they’ve been doing for the last year,” Tiley said. “Those that will be allowed on site will be players and direct support teams, as well as staff members unable to do their work from home. … Those essential to the delivery of the event will be on site.”
The event had already been limited to 50% of usual capacity and was dogged by earlier complaints from some international players; who were forced to spend critical preparation time in quarantine.
The tournament will proceed without crowds over the next five days with no fans allowed at the match sites; organizers said. Spectators will be able to attend games scheduled for Friday; while those who had bought tickets to restricted events will get a refund; they said in a statement.
The Stage 4 restrictions mean there are only four reasons for Victorians to leave their homes. They are to give or receive medical care; to shop for essential goods or services; to work or study (if you can’t from home); and to exercise, for a maximum of two hours per day. Crucially; professional athletes have been defined as “essential athletes,” meaning the Australian Open and other professional sporting leagues and events can continue.