Statement on the Australian Athletics Team camp in Cairns

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Following an inconclusive COVID-19 test result at the Australian Olympic Athletics Team camp, Athletics Australia confirms that all team members in Cairns have produced negative test results.

The inconclusive result was an abnormality produced by a staff member after an additional routine test upon arrival in Cairns. Following the initial result, Athletics Australia elevated its COVID-Safety plan to further protect members of the team and the wider public.

Since then, the staff member produced two more conclusive negative results, with all three tests further analysed. Queensland Health has also confirmed that the team is now able to resume preparations for the Tokyo Olympics using COVID-safe measures.

“The health and wellbeing of the Australian Athletics Team in Cairns and the safety of the general public is our number one concern at all times,” Athletics Australia CEO Peter Bromley said.

“While we are incredibly fortunate that our team is safe in Cairns, the incident highlights the necessity of our COVID-Safety measures that are already in place. Regular testing is part of our COVID-Safe plan for the camp, and our team will continue to practise preventative measures to ensure they are in good health ahead of their departure to Tokyo.”

“I’d like to thank the athletes, staff and coaches on the camp in Cairns for their patience and understanding of our safety process, and acknowledge the work that the AOC is doing to keep the wider Australian Olympic Team safe in extraordinary circumstances.”

The Australian Athletics Team will continue to be tested during its training camp in Cairns and will complete the mandatory 96 hour and 72 hour tests prior to departure for Tokyo.

For more information, please contact:

Sascha Ryner
Athletics Australia Media and Communications Manager

M: 0416 858 419
E: sascha.ryner@athletics.org.au

Posted: 18/7/2021

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