Safety Measures, Bio Bubble & Testing Protocols — Here's How India's South Africa Tour Will Be Played Amid Omicron Scare

India vs South Africa: Take a look at some of the safety protocols that will be followed during the IND vs SA series.

Newlands stadium in Cape Town (Image: AFP)

As there is news coming in about the India vs South Africa tour being pushed for a week due to the Omicron scare, we look at the safety measures and protocols that will be followed to ensure the safety of players and other support staff.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) chief Lawson Naidoo said that 'the series is on' despite the raising concerns around the new Covid-19 strain. 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) named the new COVID-19 variant B.1.1.529, a 'variant of concern', but the South Africa health department stated that the Ómicron' variant is only causing 'mild diseases'.  

The tour is scheduled to begin on December 17, 2021. The Indian team is slated to play three Tests, three ODIs, and four T20Is in the series, but as the things stand, it seems difficult that the series would start on time. 

Take a look at some of the safety protocols that will be followed during the IND vs SA series:

- The Indian team will be staying in only two hotels on the entire tour.

- Both hotels would be fully sanitized and exclusive to the Indian team only. 

- The Indian team will stay in Gauteng and Paarl for red and white ball matches. 

- Only 2000 spectators will be allowed.

- Every spectator will be verified for double vaccination.

- All players to stay in certified strict bio-bubble with testing protocols.

These are some of the protocols that the BCCI and CSA would agree on considering the worry around the spread of the new Covid-19 variant.