Quarantined McLaren staff test negative for COVID-19

McLaren has announced that the 14 team members quarantined in Melbourne along with their infected colleague have all tested negative for COVID-19.

The self-isolation was forced upon the group last week as a measure of precaution after a McLaren team member displayed the coronavirus symptoms and subsequently tested positive, a turn of events that led to the team's withdrawal from the Australian Grand Prix and eventually to the race's cancellation.

"McLaren is pleased to confirm that all seven of its race team members who were tested for coronavirus while in quarantine in Melbourne have returned negative results," the Woking-based outfit announced on Wednesday.

"All are doing well and in good spirits. The one team member that tested positive initially is also now free of symptoms. The balance of personnel were not required to be tested at the direction of the medical authorities.

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"In total, 16 members of the team were placed in quarantine, 14 due to close contact with the team member who tested positive, and an additional team member who developed symptoms over the weekend.

"As a precaution, these team members will remain in self-isolation for a further week to honour the 14-day period as requested by the Australian medical authorities. The team continues to be supported by three members of senior management who have stayed for the duration.

"On behalf of the team and all McLaren personnel in Melbourne, the team sends its thanks for all the well wishes, support and offers of care package deliveries, which are going a long way to maintain team morale."

As an abundance of precaution, all McLaren personnel which returned to the UK from Melbourne is observing a 15-day quarantine period at home.

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