Catriona Matthew: Solheim Cup captain among trio to test positive for coronavirus
Catriona Matthew said in a post on her Twitter that she is "feeling fine" after returning a positive test upon her arrival in Dubai on Monday, despite being asymptomatic; The trio will now self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days, the Ladies European Tour has said
Tuesday 3 November 2020 23:08, UK
Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew, Annabel Dimmock and Ursula Wikstrom have been withdrawn from this week's Omega Dubai Moonlight Classic after testing positive for Covid-19.
The players were tested on arrival in Dubai on Monday and will remain in self-isolation for 14 days.
Contacts identified as part of the track and trace process will be managed in accordance with the local health authority's guidelines.
Matthew, who will also miss next week's Saudi Ladies International, wrote on Twitter that she is "feeling fine" and did not have any symptoms and also thanked the Ladies European Tour for its support.
The Scot also told Golf Digest: "I was in contact with very few people between testing and the result coming back. I'm not showing any symptoms, and neither are Annabel or Ursula, which is very frustrating. I'll hopefully get tested again Wednesday morning. They have promised to put a rush on the result."
Matthew's husband, Graeme, accompanied his wife to Dubai but has tested negative.
"The worst-case scenario is that I will have to stay here for two weeks," Matthew added. "Even if I have two negative tests the next two days there is no guarantee I'll be able to fly home right away. But I'm hoping the LET people will talk to the Dubai authorities if that does happen.
"Graeme was only supposed to be here for four days, before going home on Friday. It is so odd that I am positive, and he is not. It just shows how random it is. Close contacts of the other two players tested negative, too. None of it makes any sense. Now we just have to wait and see."
A statement from the organisers said: "The Ladies European Tour has withdrawn Annabel Dimmock, Catriona Matthew and Ursula Wikström from this week's OMEGA Dubai Moonlight Classic after the players tested positive for COVID-19.
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"The LET has implemented a strict COVID-19 testing process throughout the season and the players, who had not, and have still not, exhibited any symptoms, were tested upon arrival into Dubai on Monday morning.
"The three players have followed all the LET guidance and protocols put in place to mitigate the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and will now remain in self-isolation for a minimum of fourteen days in accordance with the mandatory Health Authority and medical professional guidelines.
"Contacts identified as part of the track and trace process will be managed in accordance with the Health Authorities guidelines."
