North Melbourne players, coaches and staff have been forced into isolation after Terminal 3 at the Melbourne Airport was listed as a COVID-19 exposure site.
The airport terminal was listed as a Tier 2 exposure site after a Virgin Australia cabin crew member completed five flights interstate while unknowingly infectious with COVID-19.
The Kangaroos brass passed through the terminal on their way to Hobart prior to their match against the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday, departing Melbourne at 8:30 am.
Every individual who travelled through the terminal was advised to isolate, get tested and await a negative COVID-19 test as per current Victorian Government advice.
News of the Kangaroos isolation comes as the virus continues to wreak havoc in New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory.
All four states reported new local cases on Sunday, with the WA government's restrictions resulting in the match between West Coast and the Western Bulldogs being played with no fans in attendance at Optus Stadium, despite the clash initially being sold out.
"The health and safety of everyone in the game and the wider community remains the priority as we continue to navigate the pandemic," AFL football boss Steve Hocking said in a statement on Sunday afternoon.
"The AFL thanks all supporters for their understanding as we continue to be led by the advice of governments and health officials."
The WA government's restrictions are likely to impact Fremantle's home match against Carlton next week, despite the AFL confirming the Round 16 fixture less than 24 hours ago.
The constantly changing landscape has caused the AFL to once again consider hubs, according to AFL reporter Jon Ralph, despite AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan telling players weeks ago that a return to last year's conditions would be a "last resort".
"My understanding now is the AFL is having to think very seriously about how it potentially brings in those hubs again to save football once more," Ralph told Fox Footy.
Hawthorn's clash against the GWS Giants at the MCG was also impacted by COVID-19, after Hawks assistants Sam Mitchell and Andy Otten were forced to quarantine being involved as the Hawks' VFL affiliate Box Hill faced Aspley on Saturday, after Aspley were seen to have been at a Tier 1 exposure site.
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