Irish cricketers Paul Stirling and Shane Getkate have tested positive for Covid-19 and started a mandatory 10-day quarantine as the team prepares to face the West Indies.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ireland's national team announced that the duo returned positive tests and are isolating in the United States, where three one-day internationals (ODI) were called off due to Covid-19 concerns.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Irish squad is scheduled to depart Florida on Friday for Jamaica, where a three ODI series followed by a single T20 contest are set to begin January 8 at Sabina Park.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The isolated players are likely to rejoin the Irish lineup about January 9 if they return negative Covid-19 test results with George Dockrell having been cleared Thursday following isolation and approved to travel with the team on Friday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"It's a challenging time for all, but the players have responded very well to operating within the managed environment over the last two weeks," said Richard Holdsworth, Cricket Ireland's high-performance director.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"We have an extended squad with us on this tour, so will be able to cope with these absences pending no further outbreaks."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Irish are working with Cricket West Indies on Covid-19 protection measures in Kingston.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Andrew Balbirnie and Andy McBrine, previously listed as close contacts of positive cases and isolating, will likely join the squad in Jamaica after Sunday, provided they deliver a negative test.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Harry Tector and Gareth Delany have completed quarantines and will travel to Jamaica.<\/p>\r\n\r\n