Coronavirus: Two sports anti-doping officials test positive

Two anti-doping officials have tested positive to coronavirus and all ASADA staff are working from home.

ASADA chief executive David Sharpe in Canberra. Picture Gary Ramage

Australia’s sport anti-doping watchdog has been struck by the coronavirus pandemic, with two staff members of ASADA testing positive to COVID-19.

The two anti-doping officials self-isolated after it became clear that they came into contact with someone with the virus and all staff at the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority are now working from home.

The mini-outbreak at the authority comes as the ACT recorded its first coronavirus death after a woman in her 80s passed away at Canberra Hospital over the weekend. The national capital now has 78 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

ASADA chief executive David Sharpe told The Australian that neither of the COVID-19 positive staff members have come into contact with athletes.

“These staff members are not from our testing team and have not had any contact with athletes during this period,” Mr Sharpe said.

“All advice and requirements of relevant health agencies have been followed, including the isolation of other staff where required.

“ASADA’s response to COVID-19 was well advanced and included the activation of a business continuity plan, which dealt with many levels of response, including flexible staff working arrangements … All ASADA Canberra office staff are working from home.”

A woman in her 30s is the latest confirmed case of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours in the ACT. She had been overseas and there is still no evidence on community transmission in Canberra.

ACT Chief Health Officer Kerryn Coleman said the woman who died of the virus also caught it overseas.

“My thoughts are with the family and friends of this person through such a difficult time,” Dr Coleman said.

“This is the very sad reality of this disease, which is seeing the elderly at an increased risk of complications from COVID-19.

“It is why we need everyone to take the social-distancing measures we are implementing seriously. We need everyone to stay at home where possible, to practice good hygiene and to keep at least 1.5m away from others.”