WHILE the chikungunya virus has forced the postponement of several matches in the country’s top-flight club football, the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) All-island 50-overs competition has kept rolling each weekend.

Yesterday saw the playing of the rescheduled Zone D clash between Lucas CC and Melbourne CC at Nelson Oval in east Kingston. Today brings a full slate of matches across all zones.

“Yes, the games are on,” said JCA chief executive officer Courtney Francis when asked about this weekend’s fixture.

He said an affected club would have to provide a written request for a postponement, providing proof of illness and ample time for a decision to be taken.

“We’d need the evidence like a doctor’s certificate and once that is provided within a certain time line, then we’d assess. Making a decision on a postponement is definitely not something we can do the night before a game,” he explained, adding that such a case would have to involve a minimum of four players sick or injured.

The strain of chikungunya identified in numerous Caribbean countries is transmitted by the infected Aedes aegypti mosquito.

Confirmed and suspected cases of the virus in Jamaica have been constantly growing, affecting productivity in various sectors islandwide.

Francis said Lucas had concerns ahead of their loss last weekend to Kingston CC.

“Lucas said they had challenges [with suspected cases of chikungunya] last week, stating they had challenges with their wicketkeepers. It wasn’t formal, it was more an enquiry. They participated and this week the JCA got no request from any team.”

The Lucas coach Errol Moodie confirmed the predicament, but said the situation has since improved.

“Some players have been suffering with it, but some are just returning now. A player turned up last week and was not fully fit, but he wanted to play and we played him, though he was a bit weak,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

Jon-Ross Campbell, the Melbourne captain, said his club has also been affected, but he added that the openings will give younger players the chance to step in.

“We have players who have come down with the virus; three of them. One has recovered, but the other two will be missing. But Melbourne have a lot of youngsters and cricket has to play so it gives them an opportunity,” Campbell said.

Signs of someone infected with the virus usually include fever and flu-like symptoms, skin rash and severe joint pain.

— Sanjay Myers