World Athletics has published guidelines for competition organizers to prevent coronavirus outbreaks during the pandemic.
The set of health and safety guidelines, drafted by World Athletics’ health and science department, is for staging in-stadium outdoor events.
It offers guidance for a number of stakeholders, including professional athletes, support staff, technical officials, the stadium workforce, volunteers, medical staff and media.
Competition organizers are advised to undertake a four-point risk assessment for all accredited attendants.
At the stadium, spectators and accredited personnel should have two completely separate entrances.
Accredited personnel should only be granted access to the competition venue if wearing a face mask and in possession of personal hand sanitizer.
It is advised that face masks are worn by everyone in the stadium, with the exception of athletes when warming up or competing in their event.
If possible, warm-up zones will be large, open-air areas within a short walking distance of the competition stadium, with access strictly controlled.
During the competition, the number of people on the field of play should be kept to a minimum, and officials who will be coming into close contact with athletes should wear protective glasses or a plastic face shield, in addition to their mask.
Once athletes have crossed the finish line, they are asked to try and keep their distance from the public and officials.
After competition, media mixed zones will be outside if possible, and the number of people in the area should be kept to a minimum.
A screen is set to be placed between the athletes and the media, and cleaned after each interview, and separate interview boxes should be used if there are multiple positions.
Without screens, a safety dead zone of three meters should be adopted when journalists interview athletes, and masks should be used by both parties.
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