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TENNIS-AUS-OPEN-VIRUS-HEALTH
Australian Open can continue without fans despite lockdown
MELBOURNE, Feb 12, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – The Australian Open tennis tournament
in Melbourne will continue but without fans, despite a five-day lockdown
ordered Friday in its host city to control an outbreak of the UK coronavirus
strain, officials said.
Premier Daniel Andrews of Victoria state, which includes Melbourne, said
the tennis venue would be considered a “workplace” that can continue to
function with limited staff.
The year’s first Grand Slam opened on Monday with limited crowds due to
existing virus restrictions, after players all underwent mandatory
quarantine.
Melbourne’s five million residents were ordered to stay at home for five
days from midnight after a cluster of Covid cases leaked from a quarantine
hotel at the city’s airport.
Play was already under way on day five of the event Friday when the
announcement was made, with Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka and Novak Djokvic
all due on court.
BSS/AFP/GMR/0936 hrs