World Wheelchair Curling Championship 2020 coronavirus statement

In light of the recent spread of novel coronavirus, it is the World Curling Federation’s priority to ensure the safety and well-being of its athletes and officials at the World Wheelchair Curling Championship 2020, in Wetzikon, Switzerland, and to uphold a fair playing field for Member Associations at all times.

Currently, the World Health Organisation does not recommend any travel or trade restrictions that would impact on upcoming World Curling Federation events.

Furthermore, the World Curling Federation is in regular communication with the World Health Organisation, and through the local organising committee in Wetzikon, the local health and Zurich cantonal authorities to consider all possible implications of the spread of the virus and how it may impact on curling.

At this time, the World Wheelchair Curling Championship 2020 is continuing to go ahead as planned.

All advice is being reviewed on a daily basis and if circumstances should change appropriate steps will be taken on the advice of experts.

In addition, along with the local organising committee in Wetzikon, and through them the local health authority, an action plan to reduce the risk of spreading infection and to provide plenty of facilities for hand washing and sanitising is being implemented. This also includes maintaining a high standard of cleanliness throughout the competition venue.

The overarching advice of the World Health Organisation is hand washing and good cough etiquette are the vital practices that anyone – including athletes, officials and supporters – can adopt to reduce the general risk of transmission of any acute respiratory infections. Therefore, it is vital that everyone coming to this event adopts the following advice:

• Avoid close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections;
• Wash your hands frequently, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment;
• Avoid unprotected contact with farm or wild animals;
• And people with symptoms of acute respiratory infection practice cough etiquette – maintain distance, cover coughs and sneeze with disposable tissues or clothing, and wash hands regularly.

Furthermore, it is recommended in case anyone experiences any symptoms suggestive of acute respiratory illness either during or after travelling, that they seek medical attention and share their travel history with their healthcare provider.

Revised on Thursday 5 March 2020