England will now be led by assistant coach Kat Ratnapala in their matches against the Silver Ferns, with Thirlby providing virtual leadership instead.

England Netball has stated that Thirlby had no symptoms, but did return a positive test - meaning she cannot travel to New Zealand for the three-game series.

All other members of the team, including the 16 players and the remaining coaching and support staff, received two negative tests results and will follow strict protocols while in New Zealand, including quarantining after arriving in the country and undergoing regular tests.

For the past two weeks, the team has followed a home-based training programme before reuniting for the flight.

Saracens Mavericks head coach Ratnapala, who has been an assistant coach for the national team at a number of events over the past year, will assume coaching responsibilities for the series, while Colette Thomson will assist her.

Thomsonwas part of the coaching set-up when England won gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

"I am extremely disappointed to not be travelling with the Vitality Roses," Thirlby said.

"We have been taking every precaution; remaining in small bubbles during training, having staff wear masks at all times, as well as players wearing masks when not on court, social distancing, doing temperature checks on arrival, plus self-isolating at home and undergoing a pre-flight testing plan prior to travelling.

"Whilst I'm still awaiting my second set of test results, we cannot take any risks as the safety of all involved is the priority.

"I have to date not shown any symptoms of COVID-19 so this result has come as a shock, however, I am thankful that we have a strong team in place to help support the squad in person.

"Kat has been working closely with the Vitality Roses and I in recent test series, and I know the team will take confidence in having her there in my absence."

England are set to face the world champions New Zealand on October 28, October 30 and November 1.