Concerning virus development after 2500 attend A-League game
Spectators at Sunday’s A-League game between Newcastle and Western United have been asked to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms after a fan who attended the match tested positive for the virus.
The man in his 20s was a close contact of a teenage boy - a member of the Jets' under-15s squad - who had tested positive for COVID-19.
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Hunter New England Health urged any patrons at Sunday's game at McDonald Jones Stadium to “be alert for symptoms, and if any develop to get tested and self-isolate immediately”.
There were 2570 spectators at Sunday's game, which the Jets won 1-0, but only the lower level of McDonald Jones Stadium was open, with seating in the bays capped at 25 per cent capacity to allow for social distancing.
There has been one game played at the venue since - Wednesday night's match between Wellington Phoenix and Brisbane Roar - but there was no crowd in attendance.
The teenage boy who tested positive had also played a soccer match for Newcastle's under 15s against Stanmore Hawks on August 1.
His teammates and the opposition were both considered close contacts and required to isolate for 14 days.
The FFA, Newcastle Jets and Western United have been contacted for comment.
The A-League season is being completed in NSW, with interstate clubs based in hubs.
Melbourne City and Brisbane Roar are both based in the Hunter Valley.
Newcastle previously had a A-League squad member test positive after their match against City in March, which was the final game before the season was suspended.
Schools close after COVID-19 development
Meanwhile, a Newcastle high school has closed after a student was diagnosed with COVID-19 and members of two soccer teams are being urged to isolate for two weeks.
The principal of St Pius X at Adamstown has written to parents saying NSW Health advised him on Wednesday afternoon of a confirmed coronavirus case among students.
“All students and staff are required by NSW Health to self-isolate until you are notified you are not a close contact,” principal Robert Emery said.
The school will be closed on Thursday and Friday for cleaning as authorities trace any close contacts of the boy among the 1050 students and 200 staff.
Hunter New England Local Health District is urging anyone who attended the school on Monday to watch for COVID-19 symptoms and get tested immediately if they have any symptoms.
Health authorities are investigating the source of the infection.
