Spain’s Iker Pajares Bernabeu has been withdrawn from tomorrow’s Allam British Open third round fixture against World No.30 Youssef Soliman following guidance from Public Health England after he was contact traced in relation to a positive COVID-19 test from a fellow passenger on his flight from Spain to the United Kingdom.
The Allam British Open is part of a pilot scheme conducted by the UK Government which allows the tournament’s medical staff to submit documentation to Public Health England to risk assess an in-flight contact trace and implement a regular plan of testing to allow a player ‘pinged’ by NHS Test and Trace the opportunity to participate in the event.
Whilst this documentation was being reviewed by Public Health England, Pajares was allowed to continue to compete in the tournament.
Upon receiving confirmation from Public Health England earlier today that Pajares is deemed to be ‘high risk’, the PSA have withdrawn Pajares from the tournament and he will now fulfil his self-isolation period as required by UK law. As a result, Soliman receives a bye into the quarter-finals.
Pajares has tested negative since his arrival in the UK and will continue to be tested throughout the remainder of the tournament as per PSA’s COVID-19 testing protocols. The PSA will continue to support Pajares throughout his self-isolation period.
