Fremantle player Sam Switkowski tests negative for coronavirus
Fremantle player Sam Switkowski has tested negative for the deadly coronavirus after sending a scare through the club when he experienced flu symptoms after having contact with a friend who had been to China.
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Fremantle’s Sam Switkowski has been cleared of coronavirus.
The 23-year-old reported flu-like symptoms at the weekend after he had contact with a friend who had returned from China.
Although that friend had no symptoms the Dockers player later came down with the flu.
He reported those symptoms to the club, who put him through the testing protocols.
The Dockers confirmed on Tuesday Switkowski had been given the all clear.
“The facts are that the player presented with flu-like symptoms after being in contact with a friend who had visited China, even though that person had self-isolated for 14 days following his return to the country and hadn’t displayed any symptoms of the virus,” Dockers chief executive Simon Garlick said.
“It was another two weeks after the isolation period that the friend visited the player late last month.
“We felt it was important to be proactive and diligent to ensure the safety of our players, staff and broader community.”
Fremantle captain Nathan Fyfe was only at the AFL captains’ briefing on Tuesday after being cleared by AFL legal boss Andrew Dillon.
Fyfe said he found out the news on Monday night and all players in the league needed to be on alert.
“We’re not identifying the player,” Fyfe told SEN.
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“All of the usual precautionary measures have been taken. It’s very low risk, but given how serious this virus is we’re stepping through the process.
“This incident only came to light late last night, I haven’t spoken to any players about it specifically. The phone has been running hot and there may still be a bit to come.
“I’m not sure what protocols the AFL will step us through.
“This is the start, potentially, of something much bigger later this year because this thing doesn’t look like stopping or slowing down any time soon.
“I’ve been told at the moment not to worry too much, but to watch it with caution and notice.”
The Dockers released a statement on Monday night confirming one of their players — who was not named — had been sent for precautionary testing.
“Fremantle Football Club advises that a player has been sent for precautionary COVID-19 testing after having contact with a friend who had been in China earlier this year,” a club statement read.
“The player has advised the club that after his friend returned from China the friend underwent a 14-day isolation period, as recommended by the Australian Government for all Australians returning from China.
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“The player reported to club medical staff (on Monday) that he was suffering flu-like symptoms and, as a precautionary measure and despite the fact that the friend had reported no flu-like symptoms, the player was immediately sent for testing and isolated.”
Greater Western Sydney has restricted access to its football department to players, coaches and staff primarily to reduce the risk of exposure to coronavirus.
“Extra precautions have been put in place around the football department to limit the number of visitors passing through that area,” a Giants spokesman told the Herald Sun.
The AFL was forced to move the St Kilda-Port Adelaide match from China to Marvel Stadium, which was due to be played on May 31.
The league could also not rule out games being played behind closed doors, as it remained in contact with health and government authorities.
Originally published as Fremantle player Sam Switkowski tests negative for coronavirus