ACT Rugby officials are anxiously awaiting the result of a COVID-19 test which could have major implications on the community rugby in the region.
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A member of the Queanbeyan Whites' support staff attended the Batemans Bay Soldiers Club last week on a date linked to a coronavirus cluster in the coastal town.
The support staff member also attended matches against the Tuggeranong Vikings at Viking Park on Saturday, July 18, in the opening round of the John I Dent Cup.
The directive to isolate if you had visited the Soldiers Club came two days after the rugby matches had been played.
The Whites issued a statement on Monday night saying the support staff member has undergone a coronavirus test and entered a 14-day self-isolation period.
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ACT Rugby competitions manager Matt Vowles was in discussions with Whites officials on Monday night to get a clearer picture of the scenario.
Whites officials expect a test result within 48 hours, at which point ACT Rugby will be in a position to map out its next move, with general manager Craig Leseberg confirming they will work closely with the ACT government.
Spectators had been advised to stay away from Viking Park, with ACT Rugby officials only allowing players, officials and staff in so they could manage the cap of 100 people at outdoor venues.
Saturday marked local football's long-awaited return in Canberra after the coronavirus pandemic forced all sporting codes to delay the start of their seasons.
"A member of our support staff who attended our match against Tuggeranong at Viking Park on Saturday attended the Soldiers Club at Batemans Bay on one of the dates last week when there have been confirmed cases on the premises," a Whites club statement said.
"Our support staff member has now been tested and is entering 14 day self-isolation. The Queanbeyan Whites sought advice from NSW Health and have been advised there is no need for any action from anyone who has been in contact with our support staff member on Saturday unless there is a positive result which we will know of in the next 24-48 hours.
"It is advised that anyone who is suffering symptoms associated with the virus has a test carried out and stays at home."
NSW Health authorities are still trying to track the source of the Batemans Bay Soldiers Club coronavirus cluster after eight cases were confirmed in a matter of days.
Anyone who was at the club on Monday July 13, or on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, July 15 to 17, has been ordered to immediately self-isolate for 14 days, get tested even without symptoms, and complete an isolation period even with a negative test.
Caden Helmers
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
