Members of the West Indies men’s cricket team who were provided certain exemptions from managed isolation rules will now be denied further training privileges after breaking managed isolation rules inside their Christchurch facility. 

The team, here to play New Zealand’s Black Caps, is in the managed isolation facility at the Chateau on the Park in Christchurch.

The Ministry of Health said following an investigation, members of the team were confirmed to have repeatedly broken managed isolation rules.

Many of these incidents have been captured on CCTV and have also been reported by staff.

The incidents include groups mingling and sharing food.  

The Ministry of Health said it’s important to note that all incidents occurred within the hotel facility and there is no risk to the public.  

Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said “as with other sports teams that have come to New Zealand, the West Indies cricket team were given certain exemptions from the managed isolation rules which apply to everyone else. This included being able to be in larger bubbles and train in preparation for their international games.”

“It is a privilege to come here but in return they have to stick to the rules. Keeping COVID-19 out of our communities and keeping our staff safe depends on it. They didn’t do that, despite agreeing to abide by the parameters of the exemption.”

“Consequently, we have revoked the team’s exemption from those requirements of the Managed Isolation and Quarantine Order. This means members of the team will spend the remainder of their time in managed isolation and they are unable to train.”

Members of the team are currently on day 12 of their isolation period. The group will be tested today, and the local Medical Officer of Health will determine whether the team in its entirety meets the low risk indicators for release.

If there are any concerns, their period in managed isolation could be extended. 

New Zealand health authorities have taken this step as an appropriate action in response to the behaviour identified. 

Evidence will be provided to Cricket West Indies to conduct its own investigation, and any disciplinary action it may consider appropriate.

The West Indies cricket team are today discussing next steps with NZ Cricket.