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European Tour records first COVID-19 case, Wattel & Levy withdraw

The European Tour has confirmed its first case of COVID-19.  Alexander Levy pulled out of this w...



European Tour records first CO...
Golf

European Tour records first COVID-19 case, Wattel & Levy withdraw

The European Tour has confirmed its first case of COVID-19. 

Alexander Levy pulled out of this week's Celtic Classic prior to his opening round after coming into contact with a friend in France who had contracted the virus.

Levy initially tested negative at Celtic Manor, and was not exhibiting symptoms.

However, the French golfer was re-tested with the virus' incubation period in mind, and that second test produced a positive result.

Levy's compatriot Romain Wattel has subsequently been withdrawn from the Celtic Classic.

The European Tour say, "Wattel was identified as a contact of Levy after the European Tour and Public Health Wales worked collaboratively to track and trace.

"He was also re-tested but returned a negative result, as did Levy’s caddie Tom Ayling. As a precaution, however, Wattel did not participate in the tournament in accordance with Public Health Wales’ guidance."

Levy, Wattel and Ayling are all now self-isolating, with the European Tour saying they'll provide assistance where needed for all three individuals.

Wattel was replaced in the tournament by England’s Matthew Baldwin, while Levy was replaced by Denmark’s Martin Simonsen.

Jonathan Caldwell looks set to be best of the Irish after the opening day of the Celtic Classic.

The County Down golfer shot a round of 68 to end the day on 3-under par.

Belgium's Thomas Pieters heads the field on 7-under after shooting a 64.

Gavin Moynihan will have plenty of work to do to make the cut on Friday after shooting a 3-over par opening round of 74.

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Alex Levy Celtic Classic Celtic Manor Coronavirus Covid-19 European Tour Golf Romain Wattel