Flu precaution for ball boys and girls

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:38

The All England Club said three or four ball boys and girls suffering a “flu-like illness” were asked to stay away from the tournament but having “consulted closely” with the Health Protection Agency, the club moved to reassure people that the move was a precaution and the championships would continue as normal.

Wimbledon spokesman Johnny Perkins said: “This is a precautionary measure. We know the climate we are operating in.”

He said those affected were not being tested for swine flu and had not been swabbed. But he added the virus was in communities and schools and “it would be strange” if Wimbledon authorities did not take a pro-active approach.

He added that there were no reports of any players being affected by flu-like symptoms and he said there has been no change this year to the “on court towel handling routine”.

Ball boys and girls hand the towels to players in between points so they can wipe away their sweat.

A statement from All England Club chief executive Ian Ritchie read: “A small number of our Championships’ personnel have reported a flu-like illness and consequently been asked to stay at home.

“Having consulted closely with the Health Protection Agency, we have been reassured that since the incidence is entirely in line with the wider London community, there is no particular extra risk to all those connected with the event, be they players, media, staff or spectators, and we are able to continue with the championships as normal.”

Anyone with symptoms such as fever, runny nose, sore throat and cough, was urged to stay away from the championships or, if on site, consult St John Ambulance.

Now get the WORLD’S BEST TENNIS MAGAZINE here