Virus scare prompts AFL rush ahead of Carlton-St Kilda clash
The AFL revealed a Marvel Stadium worker had tested positive for coronavirus only hours before the match between Carlton and St Kilda on Thursday night.
A security worker, who last worked at Marvel Stadium on Monday, was revealed to have Covid-19 and sparked urgent action from the AFL.
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“The security contractor, who worked a shift patrolling a stadium service entry, has not worked since his shift on Monday and had no contact at any time with any sealed football-related areas,” an AFL statement read.
“As per normal protocols, Marvel Stadium is COVID-safe cleaned daily and was cleaned on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights using DHHS-approved disinfecting chemicals and methods.”
The AFL said the stadium was cleaned, as per daily Covid-19 protocol from Marvel Stadium, on multiple occasions ahead of the blockbuster clash and it was deemed safe to go ahead as scheduled.
“Again as per the normal match-day protocols introduced by the AFL to protect players, staff and the wider community, the stadium this morning received a full intensive COVID-safe sanitisation clean ahead of tonight's scheduled match between Carlton and St Kilda, which is in line with DHHS requirements,” the statement added.
“A second intensive pre-match clean was then carried out this afternoon before the arrivals of the players and officials as a further precaution, meaning the stadium has been cleaned five times since the security contractor last worked at Marvel Stadium.”
AFL Players uncertain over hubs
As Victoria's AFL clubs prepare to hit the road, Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says the Demons are still uncertain exactly when and where they'll be sent into interstate hubs.
The 10 clubs are expected to relocate - potentially as early as next week - with NSW and Western Australia flagged as potential locations along with the current Gold Coast hub.
That scenario moved a step closer to fruition on Wednesday when clubs were sent scrambling to relocate players who live in Melbourne's COVID-19 hot spots as directed by the AFL.
The Demons did not have to relocate any members of their squad, but are still awaiting clarity on their short-term future.
"No idea (where we're going) at this stage," Goodwin told reporters on Thursday.
"What we are up for is we're up for anything. We just want to play footy."
Clubs are expecting a week's notice on plans to move into hubs.
