Edoardo Molinari, left, and Lorenzo Gagli chat at the Oman Open after being cleared to play ©Getty Images

Italian golfers Lorenzo Gagli and Edoardo Molinari have begun play at the Oman Open today after being quarantined in the country due to coronavirus fears.

The pair were withdrawn from the European Tour event at Muscat's Al Mouj Golf Club yesterday after Gagli exhibited flu-like symptoms.

He entered self-isolation after an assessment from the tournament's medical team, and following consulation with the Omani Ministry of Health.

Molinari had not developed symptoms but also entered self-isolation as he was sharing a hotel room with Gagli.

Italy has witnessed an alarming spike in coronavirus cases in recent days but, following a test, Gagli's result came back negative this morning.

Both players went on to tee-off together today, at 1.30pm local time.

"Due to these exceptional circumstances, both Lorenzo and Edoardo will now be reinstated into the Oman Open as an addition to the field, meaning the field size will now be 146," the European Tour said.

Lorenzo Gagli plays a shot at the event in Muscat today ©Getty Images
Lorenzo Gagli plays a shot at the event in Muscat today ©Getty Images

Keith Pelley, the chief executive of the European Tour, added: "This is a difficult global situation, one during which we will continue to follow all guidance given to us on preventive measures, and all decisions will continue to be made in the interests of overall public health.

"We will also continue to work closely with our own health experts and local authorities to ensure we have the latest medical and travel advice for all our tournaments, because the well-being of our players, staff and spectators remains the European Tour's absolute priority."

Thirty-nine-year-old Molinari, the brother of 2018 Open champion Francisco, won the Ryder Cup with Europe in 2010.

He is currently 74th in the European Tour's Race to Dubai standings, with 34-year-old Gagli 96th. 

Only China, where coronavirus originated, and South Korea have now reported more cases than Italy.

More than 470 patients have been reported in the European country, and 12 people have died.

The European Tour has cancelled two events in Asia, the Maybank Championship, scheduled to take place at Saujana Golf and Country Club in Kuala Lumpur between April 16 and 19, and the Volvo China Open, which was planned for between April 23 and 26 at Genzon Golf Club in Shenzhen.