Hobart Test ‘will proceed’ despite seven-day Covid-19 isolation rule

Tasmania insists the fifth Ashes Test will be held in Hobart, with the government appearing open to a pragmatic application of Covid requirements.

Despite a Covid scare in the England camp, the fifth Ashes Test is set to go ahead in Tasmania as planned. Picture: Getty Images

Tasmania insists the fifth Ashes Test will be held in Hobart as planned, with the government appearing open to a pragmatic application of Covid requirements for touring squads.

The island state’s current coronavirus rules include seven-days isolation for close contacts, a rule already bent in New South Wales to allow the fourth Test to proceed on January 5.

However, having fought hard to win the fifth Test in a competitive tender from larger jurisdictions, it appears Premier Peter Gutwein is determined to not to lose Tasmania’s first Ashes contest.

“The Tasmanian government remains fully committed to the fifth Ashes Test being played in Hobart (from January 14), in what will be a historic event for the state,” a government spokeswoman said.

“The government is continuing to work with Cricket Australia and Public Health to ensure that the match operates under the approved Covid safety plan and all Covid related matters are managed effectively.

“Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 in Tasmania will be assessed and managed in accordance with appropriate protocols.”

The government was yet to clarify whether the cricket squads would be exempt from the 7-day isolation requirement on close contacts, or the state’s 14-day mask wearing requirement on casual contacts.

However, the use of broad phrases such as “continuing to work”, “managed effectively” and “appropriate protocols” suggest the government is leaving enough wriggle room to prevent a case or two shutting down the match.

While a strict application of the seven-day rule would be a match breaker, there is a high level of confidence within government and cricket administration that the match will proceed.

Sources suggested it would take a very significant outbreak within one or both team camps for Tasmania to back out of, or close down, the game.

According to the latest published Tasmanian government guidelines, casual contacts wear masks for 14 days, but are not required to isolate. Close contacts must isolate for seven days and undergo repeated testing.

Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley said it had “extremely well established protocols“ to manage Covid risks. “We remain confident that the protocols will see us through the remainder of the series,” he said.

Despite six members of the broader English touring entourage testing positive during the Melbourne Test, Covid tests since have cleared all players.