COVID now wreaks havoc in B&I Lions camp

BREAKING NEWS: The British and Irish Lions confirmed that a member of its management team has tested positive for COVID-19, following a lateral flow test as part of the Tour screening programme which took place on Wednesday 7 July.

The individual and four close contacts – including two players and two members of staff – are being isolated and assessed at the team hotel.

All members of the touring party have since been PCR tested.

Wednesday’s game against the Sharks at Ellis Park will still take place – provided the subsequent round of PCR testing returns negative results later in the day.

Should this be the case, the kick-off time – brought forward one hour to avoid a clash with the England-Denmark Euro 2020 semifinal in London – will revert to the original slot of 20.00 local time (18.00 GMT).

“We have followed all necessary precautions since the start of the tour, which included regular testing and rigorous COVID-19 countermeasure planning and protocols,” said Ben Calveley, Managing Director for the British & Irish Lions.

“Our priority is to ensure the health and safety of the entire touring party, which is why we quickly isolated the players and staff upon receiving the news of the positive result.

“Everyone has subsequently been lateral flow and PCR tested.

“The Medical Advisory Group await the results of the PCR testing in order to make a decision on the game tonight [Wednesday].

“The five individuals affected will be monitored closely during isolation and receive the best possible medical attention as we await the results of their PCR tests.

“Further updates will follow in due course.”