THE Western Bulldogs are self-isolating just days out from their blockbuster AFL clash with Melbourne after a staff member visited Highpoint shopping centre when it was a coronavirus-exposed site.
The member reported visiting Highpoint during the exposure period, resulting in the Bulldogs’ players, football department staff and match-day staff having COVID-19 tests on Tuesday morning.
They are self-isolating while awaiting the results.
“As a precautionary measure players and staff were asked by the AFL, in consultation with the State Government, to undergo testing and isolate to rule out any risk,” the Bulldogs said in a statement.
“The Bulldogs cooperated fully with the advice in the best interests of public health and safety.
“It is expected that players and staff will be able to return to training on Wednesday, pending the negative test results being received overnight.
“The club moved quickly to adjust its training schedule for the remainder of the week and it expects minimal disruption to its preparations for Friday night’s match against Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.”
The first-placed Bulldogs are due to play second-placed Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Friday night – the first of four AFL matches in Victoria this weekend.
The AFL announced on Tuesday morning it would pause ticket sales for games in round 11 and 12, with the Victorian government yet to make a decision on crowd sizes amid Melbourne’s new COVID-19 outbreak.
On Tuesday, the state government announced new coronavirus restrictions including five-visitor limits for private gatherings, 30 for public gatherings and masks being worn indoors.
(C) AAP 2021
