There is bad news from Australia as the entire state of Victoria will go on lockdown for at least 5 days. Unfortunately, 19 people were found positive for the Coronavirus. These people have been infected with the highly contagious strain from the UK and for this reason, the state will be put in lockdown.
The Australian Open without fans
The lockdown consequence is that the Australian Open will have no fans for at least the following 5 days.
Victoria’s Premier Daniel Andrews commented:
“Large and small professional sport events, they will function essentially as a workplace. But they will not function as an entertainment event, because there will be no crowds. And the workforce will be the minimum that is needed in order for that to be Covid-safe and safe in lots of other contexts.”
The lockdown is set to end at midnight next Wednesday. For now, the slam is safe.
The Australian Open statement
This is the official statement from the Australian Open.
“Tennis Australia continues to work with the government to ensure the health and safety of everyone.
The Victorian government has announced a five day lockdown commencing at 11:59pm on Friday. Australian Open sessions today and tonight will continue as planned with COVIDSafe protocols in place.
We are notifying ticketholders, players and staff that there will be no fans onsite at the AO for five days, commencing from Saturday 13 February.
Full refunds will be available for anyone who has tickets for these sessions and they will be advised on how to apply as soon as possible.
The AO broadcast-only contingency plan will commence from Saturday 13 February until restrictions are lifted. Play will continue uninterrupted on the broadcast, albeit without spectators onsite.
We will provide further updates on the new conditions as soon as possible.”
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