The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has issued updated guidelines to continue testing athletes ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games, even though the agency admits the coronavirus pandemic is restricting the fight against anti-doping.
Since starting in China late last year, the flu-like disease has infected over 270,000 people, with the death toll standing at over 11,000 across the world, bringing global sport to a virtual standstill.
With most countries going into lockdown and closing borders to contain the spread of the virus, WADA said the anti-doping system was facing challenges.
WADA, however, says it will continue to provide guidance to the Anti-Doping Organisations (ADOs), who must adhere to restrictions placed by local health authorities and governments.
The agency’s president Witold Banka, while admitting that sports “is dealing with an unprecedented situation” said “COVID 19 has forced all anti-doping stakeholders, including WADA, to adjust the way daily operations are conducted.”
“But this matter goes way beyond anti-doping and sport it is a global emergency and our first priority must be public health, safety and social responsibility.” Banka said.
The updated guidelines say sample collection officials must be healthy and have no symptoms related to the virus and should be provided with protective medical equipment.
If testing opportunities are limited due to local restrictions, Anti-Doping Organizations should focus on targeted athletes from high-risk sports and disciplines.
The governing body also urged ADOs to remind athletes they can still be tested at any place and any time and continue to provide whereabouts for their movements to be monitored.
“It will also be crucial that the system can return to full power as quickly as possible once the various restrictions are lifted,” Banka said.
“During this time, I would like to acknowledge how difficult it is for athletes, too, who face disruptions to their training programs and uncertainty as to what the future holds for their competitions.”
WADA is also instructing ADOs to check the governing body’s website to determine the labs still in operation with several accredited labs having suspended operations due to the crisis and more testing facilities expected to do the same.