F1 has finally released a statement where it talks about the steps taken to safeguard its personnel amid COVID-19 outbreak.
After the successful end of the 2020 F1 pre-season test at Barcelona, it has been silence from their end as COVID-19 has created havoc all around the globe. The Chinese GP has been postponed, while Bahrain GP will be held as a closed door event.
Questions marks remains still over Vietnam GP as the Australian GP starts the 2020 F1 season this weekend amid a less exciting time. Questions have been raised on Liberty Media about lack of transparency or more importantly, communication.
The situation surrounding COVID-19 is worsening as the World Health Organisation is close to declaring it as a ‘pandemic’. Meanwhile, F1, has finally released a statement where it speaks about safeguarding its personnel with several steps taken towards it.
The full statement from F1 states:
“The health and safety of the F1 fans, family and wider communities is always paramount. With the continuing spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and its impact on global communities, F1 is in constant dialogue with promoters, governmental bodies and expert health authorities to ensure the safeguarding of everyone inside and around the sport.
“F1 is taking a scientific approach to the outbreak in order to help assess and implement the appropriate steps needed to minimise risks and protect personnel. Bahrain has taken the decision to hold this year’s Grand Prix as a participants-only event – part of a wider set of proactive measures implemented by the country to limit the virus’ spread.
“Bahrain will also implement screening procedures on entry and specialist medical facilities onsite, as well as enhanced sanitation at the circuit, additional hand washing stations and specific medical protocols to manage any suspected cases of COVID-19. The Chinese Grand Prix, originally slated for 17-19 April, has been postponed.
“Due to the fluid nature of the virus, F1 will continue to take a scientific approach to the situation, acting on daily advice from the official health authorities and the advice or measures each host promoter may enact.
“F1 has itself implemented a number of measures based upon advice from Public Health England, including the suspension of all non-essential travel. Dedicated teams of experts will be deployed at airports, transit points and at circuits to safeguard personnel, focused on the diagnosis, management and extraction of suspected cases. Bespoke quarantine points are being installed by promoters for any suspected cases.”
UPDATE: Moments after F1 announced the steps it is taking to avoid COVID-19, the Italian Government said a country-wide lockdown which should come into effect from Tuesday onward. They want all to stay at home unless for work or any emergency.
Public gatherings is being suspended with schools to be closed. This will continue for at least a month as Italy tries to contain the outbreak. The sudden changes could hamper F1 teams/drivers/personnel along with MotoGP and other championships.
Here’s last from F1 Bahrain GP
Here’s what Italian Government has planned which could affect F1 and MotoGP