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CWI praises Bangladesh’s well-planned security, Covid-19 protocol
DHAKA, Dec 2, 2020 (BSS)- The Cricket West Indies (CWI) inspection team praised Bangladesh’s Covid-19 plan and security arrangements, stating that what they saw during their visits is probably as good an arrangement as anyone can have anywhere in the world.
The two-member team — Dr. Akshai Mansingh (a member of the ICC & CWI Medical Panel as well a CWI Director) and Paul Slowe (Security and Safety Manager) conducted their assessment, visiting the venues in Dhaka and Chattogram and other places where the team would need to go during their tour.
“We had a lot of meetings before we actually came, and heard the protocol that was put forward by the BCB, which was very impressive,” Akshai Mansingh said here today.
“Times are changing and everybody is keen to see the return of international cricket. Our coming to Bangladesh was to see if this would be possible early next year. I have to say that the protocols that were described to us by the BCB, were very, very well thought-out.”
He went on to say: “The fact that there has been three competitions, prior to our coming and one going on now obviously, they are well practiced. We are very happy with what we saw in Dhaka and Chattogram. The facilities are excellent. The Covid protocols are concise and tight. The national approach, both in the hotels and hospitals that we visited, comply with all international standards recommended for Covid-19. From a medical point of view, we are very happy and we now have to present our findings to the board of directors of CWI. I am very confident that what we saw is probably as good an arrangement as you can have anywhere in the world.”
West Indies team will undergo Covid-19 test thrice—one before their flight for Bangladesh and twice in Bangladesh before they start their practice session.
Mansingh said they would have to stay in quarantine for seven days before starting the practice full-fledgedly.
“According to Covid protocols, there will be at least seven days where we have to make sure we are not contaminating Bangladesh. So we have to make sure we are in quarantine. It is not just days, but negative tests as well. There have to be at least one negative tests before coming and three negative tests while in Bangladesh. That period is usually seven days, and that’s why the exact dates have to be worked out now,” he said.
“Certainly for the first three days, we suggest in-room quarantine. After the third day, we do a second test. After that is negative, we would like to do some practicing within our squad, but not exposing ourselves to anybody else until seven days are passed. We will have inter-squad practice and activities. After Day 7, the recommendation is that we should have net sessions with Bangladeshi players.”
Paul Slowe, the security manager of CWI said that the security arrangement for the tour is world class and they are happy with it.
“I am happy to say that what I have seen in the security plans and all the protocols, that were presented, are very satisfactory. I have no doubt if those plans were to unfold as written and discussed, then there should be no untoward incidents,” Slowe said.
“I am extremely happy with all the arrangements at the airport, hotels, practice venues, playing venues. I was in Bangladesh in 2016 for the Under-19 World Cup. I am very confident that the BCB has the capability to put out the type of arrangement that are required for an international tour.”
“We are to report back to the CWI, and I have no doubt that once the report is forwarded, the directors are going to consider the report and it is hoped, they will sign off on the tour. Once the tour is approved, I am going to be back just to ensure that the protocols are maintained and observed.”
BSS/SMP/ARS/1851 hrs