The England and Wales Cricket Board insists it is "not concerned" about two positive cases of Covid-19 in England's team hotel in Galle.

The tourists were informed by Sri Lankan authorities of the results collected from staff at the Lighthouse hotel, which they have exclusive access to, on the second morning of the first Test on Friday.

While there are inescapable echoes of the December trip to South Africa, when the tour was abandoned after an outbreak involving staff at their team base near Cape Town, the issue has yet to escalate.

While England's players were said to be suffering from anxiety last month, unnerved by the presence of the virus inside their 'bio-secure' bubble, there is no suggestion that is the case now.

Instead, the ECB went on the front foot by issuing a statement in response to a news report in the local press.

"We are not concerned. Our protocols have been excellent and we continue to be vigilant," it read.

"We are the most compliant team in world cricket. We are the only international team in any sport to have a COVID compliance officer. He is responsible for ensuring we meet the highest of standards across our COVID protocols. We remain vigilant and respectful of the Sri Lankan authorities and we will do everything that is possible to keep our players and the general population safe.

"We are being vigilant around our team base in Galle and at the stadium. The players respect social distancing, wear masks in indoor settings and at the hotel dine on individual tables.

"Our COVID compliance officer briefs the players and management on a daily basis and communicates the latest developments both in Sri Lanka and in the UK."

England all-rounder Moeen Ali tested positive on arrival in Hambantota and has been isolating ever since, in separate accommodation.

"Moeen Ali has been isolating for 12 days in separate accommodation. He remains isolated at a different hotel to the team in Galle," added the statement.

"He continues to receive care from Sri Lanka and England medical teams and will return to the squad as soon as it is safe to do so. We have yet to be given a date of when this will be."