4 January 2021 06:42 pm Views - 522
England all-rounder Moeen Ali tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, the England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement.
Ali, who is part of the England squad that landed in Sri Lanka on Sunday for a two-Test series, returned a positive result on the PCR test conducted on arrival at the Hambantota Airport.
"Ali will now observe a period of 10-days self-isolation, in accordance with the Sri Lanka Government’s protocol on quarantine," the ECB statement read.
Fast-bowler Chris Woakes, deemed to have been a possible close contact of Ali, will also observe a period of self-isolation and will be further tested.
"The touring party will be PCR tested for a second time on Tuesday morning. At this stage, the team will train for the first time on Wednesday," the statement also said.
Prof. Arjuna de Silva, who is overseeing the medical aspect of the tour, confirmed the positive test.
“He is the only player who tested positive,” he said, adding, "We did the PCR and Rapid Antigen tests of all players and the support staff. The Rapid Antigen tests were found negative and we have just received the PCR reports".
"If the Rapid Antigen test results are negative and the PCR test is positive, it is assumed that the coronavirus is less effective. At present Moeen Ali is isolated in his hotel room but will be moved to the Intermediate Care Centre if he is found positive again".