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Let's talk about the worlds "bubble" since information is now available...
Long thread incoming:
https://www.isu.org/docman-documents-links/isu-files/event-documents/figure-skating-4/2020-21/championships-32/announcements-96/24912-isu-world-figure-skating-championships-2021-announcement/file
Long thread incoming:
https://www.isu.org/docman-documents-links/isu-files/event-documents/figure-skating-4/2020-21/championships-32/announcements-96/24912-isu-world-figure-skating-championships-2021-announcement/file
The first thing that has been added to the document is the arrival and departure dates for those in attendance.
The arrival date is March 21 unless a skater is a last minute substitution due to another skater's illness or injury, in which case they may arrive on the 22.
The arrival date is March 21 unless a skater is a last minute substitution due to another skater's illness or injury, in which case they may arrive on the 22.
It is important to note that the dates for the world championships are March 22-28, MEANING there will be skaters arriving from international flights without sufficient time to quarantine before beginning practices for competition.
Official practice begins the day after skaters are allowed to arrive (March 22) meaning there will be effectively NO quarantine or opportunity to test more than once to ensure a skater has not recently contracted COVID, therefore putting everyone else at risk.
Next, let's talk about testing.
Now the ISU is requiring PCR tests, which are NOT rapid tests, and therefore slightly more reliable, which is good.
HOWEVER the ISU document states that a negative test is required PRIOR TO ARRIVAL in Sweden. There is not currently a notice requiring ADDITIONAL negative PCR tests
HOWEVER the ISU document states that a negative test is required PRIOR TO ARRIVAL in Sweden. There is not currently a notice requiring ADDITIONAL negative PCR tests
once skaters have arrived in Sweden. I hope that that is an oversight in the public document, but based on what we've seen from the ISU so far that seems highly unlikely.
A negative PCR test is ONLY valid if done in conjunction with a quarantine and is COMPLETELY useless when the athlete must then board an international flight for several hours and interact with a wide variety of people
The banquet has been cancelled, as well as the judges dinner and the second team leaders meeting, but all other meetings AND the gala are currently scheduled to go ahead.
With all of this taken into consideration, I have NO additional faith in the safety of this event.
It is irresponsible and DANGEROUS to go ahead with worlds and I am incredibly disappointed in the ISU's lack of forethought, planning, and athlete protection this season.
It is irresponsible and DANGEROUS to go ahead with worlds and I am incredibly disappointed in the ISU's lack of forethought, planning, and athlete protection this season.
This isn't a bubble. It's not safe. Calling it a bubble leads to a false sense of security and puts people at a higher risk, as they are more likely to be lax with precautions if they are told it is safe when it isn't
The ISU has a duty to its athletes and it has failed MISERABLY
The ISU has a duty to its athletes and it has failed MISERABLY
I would also like to note that as of TODAY the website for worlds STILL has not ruled out tickets for an in-person audience.
