ITF Says Gives Update on Coronavirus Outbreak

The international Tennis Federation has said that it is constantly monitoring the situation related to the outbreak of the coronavirus, while speaking in an exclusive interview to Ubitennis.

Heather Bowler, the Executive Director of Communications for the ITF in London, commented, "The ITF is constantly monitoring the data and information from the relevant authorities about the evolution the virus and reviews the situation on a daily basis. The situation is different in each country. We monitor WHO notifications, review travel restrictions issued by national authorities and consult with security and medical experts to monitor the situation daily. Decisions about specific events continue to be made on a case by case based on at this time.”

The ITF is responsible for the Davis/Fed Cup ties, junior tournaments and the Olympic tennis competition. Italy has been one of the most affected countries by the Coronavirus with 79 people having died so far. The ITF says it is monitoring the situation but so far no restrictions have been posed on tournaments in Italy. “We are monitoring the situation on a country by country basis but have not imposed restrictions on players participating in Italian events."

The ITF has also said that if a player decides to withdraw from any event due to concerns about the illness, they will not be fined. "If a player makes the decision to withdraw from a tournament citing concerns about COVID-19 they will not be fined. We are in regular communication with the ATP and WTA. Currently, the evolution of the virus remains specific to each country and decisions relating to events are made on a case by case basis. We are constantly monitoring the situation and the data provided by WHO, as well as the policies and travel restrictions issued by relevant national authorities, together with advice from expert medical and security advisors. Should the situation evolve and the need arise, we will review a global policy.”

Speaking about the tie between Japan and Ecuador which is being played without fans, Bowler says, "Health and safety is paramount. We will make the necessary decisions according to the notifications of the relevant authorities and our expert medical and security advisors. The Japan vs Ecuador tie at the Bourbon Beans Dome in Miki, Japan on 6-7 March will be played without spectators. This decision was taken in consultation with the JTA (Japanese Tennis Association) following advice from Japan Sports Agency and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. We have dealt with many issues that have had widespread impact and most have their specificities. When dealing with such occurrences, we ensure that we monitor the data closely, remain in close contact with the relevant authorities, constantly monitor and provide information, and, in consultation with the relevant experts ensure we are in the best position possible to make the right decisions about our course of action."

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2wCDPtz