WTA and ATP release precautionary health measures in wake of Coronavirus outbreak

Sunday, 08 March 2020 at 14:22

The WTA and ATP have released precautionary health measures due to the COVID-19 outbreak also known as Coronavirus.

These will be implemented at upcoming events; including Indian Wells, the Miami Open and WTA’s event in Charleston.

These measures have been taken following medical advice from health and safety professionals on the subject; it has been taken in the interest of of players, staff, fans and the wider tennis community attending these events in the coming months.

Precautionary methods in full:

- Players and mascots will not hold hands when walking out on court
- Ball kids will be provided with gloves to wear on court
- Ball kids will not handle player towels during matches
- Ball kids will not handle player drinks during matches
- Players will be instructed to not distribute used towels, headbands, shirts, sweatbands, etc. to fans following matches or practice
- Players will not accept pens, tennis balls or other items to hold for autograph signing
“The health and safety of our players, fans, staff and tournament personnel is paramount and, as the outbreak of COVID-19 continues, these are common sense precautions for us to take,” said the ATP and WTA in a joint statement. “We continue to monitor this closely on a daily basis, working with our players and tournaments, as well as public health authorities as the situation evolves globally.”

They will be implemented for the rest of the spring season in all events with a review to follow if the outbreak worsens or continues into the summer.

https://twitter.com/benrothenberg/status/1236427669903945728?s=21

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