Coronavirus Latest Developments in the Ski World
Coronavirus Latest Developments in the Ski World
Published : 04-Mar-2020 02:46
In the continually evolving response to the coronavirus outbreak there are a few new developments in the skiing world, mostly in terms of large scale ski events during the final months of the season.
The International Ski Federation have now released an 'Information and Recommendation Guide' on organising events in light of the virus which is designed for Local Organising Committees and other FIS stakeholders to educate about the best practices to help minimise the risk of spread of the virus.
"The FIS is maintaining the existing principles applied since the outbreak of the Novel Corona Virus, which are to fully comply with the instructions and decisions of the National and Regional Governments and their Health Authorities," said a statement from organisers.
The FIS also say they will make a final decision on the staging of the FIS Alpine World Cup Finals in Cortina, the biggest event in the alpine ski racing calendar and due to take place later this month, this Friday 6th March at 5pm CET. This date, they say, was specified by the Italian Regional Government and Health Authorities in Veneto authorities for their next general update in regard to the status of controlling measures that have been undertaken to prevent the spread of the Novel Coronavirus and any measures that will be implemented.
Veneto, where the resort is located, is one of the Italian areas hit hardest by the virus so far, although with most cases in Venice to the south.
Swiss ski resorts Laax say their SuddenRush Banked Slalom will go ahead, for the sixth time, from the 5th to 8th of March 2020.
"Safety for all participants is as important as fun in the snow. After application by LAAX and the official risk analysis, the Canton of Graubünden has approved the event," a statement from the organisers read.
Meanwhile Hokkaido, home to Niseko, is officially in a "state of emergency" according to the prefecture's governor. However the advice here – to wash hands meticulously and stay away from crowded indoor spaces – seems to be the same as most places and ski resorts appear to still be operating as normal.
In China, the government has reported that thee have been zero cases of the virus in the area where the Olympics are due to be staged in two years' time. The ski slopes here are currently closed, as they have been at all ski centres across the country since early February, but a team of police is stationed on the routes in and out of the resort, complete with thermal body scanners, to ensure no risk of infection getting in.
In terms of travel in Europe it is a fast-evolving situation but, generally, almost all airports are open and all flights operating and governments are not advising against travel except to limited 'virus hot spot' areas within some countries.
Some airlines are offering to rebook passengers not wanting to travel near to virus outbreak hot spots, others aren't and it seems few travel insurance policies will kick in unless airports are closed or governments advise against travel.
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