He was one of two French golfers to withdraw from the tournament, which is taking place at Celtic Manor Resort in Newport in Wales.

It is part of the Tour's six-week United Kingdom swing which concludes with the UK Championship in Warwickshire in England.

Levy withdrew alongside Romain Wattel, who had been identified of having been in close contact with him, after the Tour and local health authorities used a track-and-trace method.

Wattel was tested again and returned a negative result, as did Levy's caddie.

Prior to the event, Levy came into contact with a friend in France who had the virus.

He initially tested negative for COVID-19 on his arrival at the golf course, but was re-tested and returned a positive result.

A European Tour statement read: "Wattel was identified as a contact of Levy after the European Tour and Public Health Wales worked collaboratively to track and trace. 

"He was also re-tested but returned a negative result, as did Levy’s caddie Tom Ayling. 

"As a precaution, however, Wattel did not participate in the tournament in accordance with Public Health Wales’ guidance."

Wattel was replaced in the tournament by England's Matthew Baldwin, while Levy was replaced by Denmark's Martin Simonsen.

Belgian Thomas Pieters led after round one.