NSW Government makes mask wearing mandatory for SCG Test

The NSW Government’s commitment to allowing fans to attend the third cricket Test between Australia and India tomorrow at the Sydney Cricket Ground has seen it advise that the wearing of masks will be mandatory for fans.

The SCG is being allowed to operate at 25% capacity for the Test, with an estimated 9,500 fans set to attend, despite medical experts, including the Australian Medical Association, leading calls for the match to be played with no fans.

Advising that masks, having previously been strongly recommended for anybody sitting in the SCG stands this week, are now mandatory for attendees, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard today explained “the only exception to that is if you're eating or drinking.

"There will be fines imposed on those who don't wear a mask.”

Fans have also been urged to plan their travel to the SCG, with capacity still reduced on the public transport network to meet COVID-19 physical distancing requirements.

NSW Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said despite fewer fans allowed into the ground, traffic is expected to be heavy, noting “please avoid travelling to the Moore Park area if you are not going to the cricket, especially around the start and end of play each day, as we are expecting heavy traffic congestion near the SCG.

“There will be additional public transport services to help with physical distancing on the network, despite the reduction in Test ticket holder numbers.

“Additional staff will be in place around transport hubs to help you stay COVID safe and manage crowds, so please be patient, practice physical distancing while waiting in queues and follow the directions of staff.”

With NSW dealing with an ongoing rise in Coronavirus cases across Sydney, would-be Test attendees from specific Sydney suburbs including on the Northern Beaches and in the Inner West will not be allowed to attend the venue.

This also applies to A-League fans looking to attend weekend fixtures in Sydney.

Risks associated with having fans in attendance at recent sporting fixtures have been brought into focus today with Victorian Government revealing that a man infected with Coronavirus attended day two of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

With the Sydney Test a key annual focus for the breast cancer support charity the McGrath Foundation, the body has launched a campaign to raise $1 million through selling virtual tickets.

The Virtual Pink Seats campaign is encouraging people across Australia to purchase virtual pink seats for the match, with the money raised to be put towards the goal of funding seven breast care nurses.

Glen McGrath, co-founder and President of the McGrath Foundation, advised “the Pink Test has become a national phenomenon and we always look forward to seeing people pinking up with our bandanas to help bathe the SCG in pink as a symbolic show of support for those experiencing breast cancer and raising much needed funds for the McGrath Foundation.

“But the reality is the Pink Test will look a little bit different this year. There will be less people in the crowd and sadly, we won’t have our much-loved volunteers on the ground collecting donations.

“We’re hoping people will buy their virtual Pink Seats to show their support because pink is more than just a colour – it’s the energy, the hope and the support that comes from going pink that makes a difference to people with breast cancer.

NSW Health is continuing to work with the SCG to ensure the Test is conducted in a COVIDSafe way.

The following people must not attend the cricket under any circumstances:

• Residents of Auburn, Birrong, Berala, Lidcombe, Potts Hill, Regents Park, Rookwood, Wentworthville, Belmore
• Residents of the northern zone of the Northern Beaches
• Anyone who has been to a venue of concern listed on the NSW Government website

Anyone who attends from these areas is at risk of a $1,000 fine.

Lower image shows fundraising for the McGrath Foundation during the 2019 Pink Test at the MCG.