2021 Worlds are still on

[el henry]

And I've seen studies about most masks being used for "virus protection" being an illusion of safety.

Which is certainly no reason to refuse to wear a mask or to wear one incorrectly. More of the studies, of course, support that mask wearing reduces risk to others. A cloth mask may not provide the protection of the surgical masks, but they are a start.

And any reduction of risk is better than none, Hopefully at Worlds, if it is held, they will implement *and enforce* all of these risk reducing measures. Rather than tolerate a toddler like “You’re not the boss of me” mentality that unfortunately some athletes or coaches may display.

 

[ELEk3k]

For athletes, it is enough to make requirements for the presence of antibodies against the virus and that's it. Why arrange endless tests if we are have test of enough for immunity?
I think it won't be a big problem for countries to instill their delegations and athletes.

I am sure that Russian skaters have already been vaccinated, under control of our sport comitet, before starting of 1 channel cup.
Vaccination in Russia picking up speed. I vaccinated yesterday, my mother and brother whitch living in siberia vaccinated on las week. We are not working in the goverment sector or somethink similar. It was free of charge and quick.

 

[bookofcharms]

More countries compete in skating than just Russia.

 

[ELEk3k]

More countries compete in skating than just Russia.

Yes. I know it! You think is it problem for governments of other countries to vaccinate delegations?

The second part of my message was intended more for those who wrote that the Russian delegation poses a viral threat at competitions.

 

[bookofcharms]

In some countries (like mine) there is simply no access to the vaccine at all.

And in others, the aged and vulnerable are being prioritised.

But anyway, Worlds will proceed at the athlete’s own risk and the ISU will have its liability waivers, so.... yep. And the covid will continue stirring around the world (mutations and all) slowing down any return to normal. It’s pretty depressing stuff if you think about it too much.

 

[ELEk3k]

In some countries (like mine) there is simply no access to the vaccine at all.

Very sad to read it.

But anyway, Worlds will proceed at the athlete’s own risk and the ISU will have its liability waivers, so.... yep. And the covid will continue stirring around the world (mutations and all) slowing down any return to normal. It’s pretty depressing stuff if you think about it too much.

The current reality is that we have to adapt to life in the context of the coronavirus, but I think pretty soon everything will start to decline, regardless of whether the restrictions continue or not. Some people have already been ill with the virus and have immunity, the other part will be vaccinated. Gradually, the percentage of the population with immunity will grow, and the burden on the medical sector will decrease. Everything will be fine!

 

[surimi]

Articles keep popping up saying that covid immunity doesn't last. Having recovered from covid is no guarantee a person cannot get infected for a 2nd time, and this time develop serious symptoms. One doesn't know what the first bout may have done to the body unless one gets a complete health check when they get better.

I cannot think of any other skating community that has flouted protective measures more than the folk at Russian competitions. Their skaters certainly shouldn't be banned from WC for that, but I am not surprised in the least to see people generalize and distrust their team to be considerate towards other teams at WC. Mishin will probably need to find a substitute to go in his place, since he obviously is incapable of wearing a mask over his nose. No matter how famous, old or revered they are, I hope noone gets any exceptions from the safety measures at WC if they want to protect everyone.

Also, who cares if all Russians are vaccinated? Not everyone in the world wants to get a vaccine, and not everyone can get it, for health reasons or otherwise. Being vaccinated doesnt mean you can't be infected, cause others to catch it and develop severe symptoms. It protects only the vaccinated person. Nothing wrong with simple protective measures like masks in place, until the virus dwindles out.

That said, if WC can go forward with some sort of bubble, it should. Skaters willing to go deserve a chance to compete and get WS points. It's a tough choice for the ISU between safety and opportunities, but if covid ends up spanning another year or two, we may lose an entire generation of skaters if most competitions get cancelled.

 

[eaglehelang]

One thing is that many countries will not allow entrance to travellers with a current positive test.

So if a skater, coach, chaperone etc from such a nation tests positive, then they will be required to remain in Sweden for the duration of the illness until a negative test is registered. And that then places them under the care of the Swedish health system.

That could be difficult, expensive and stressful, especially once the rest of the delegation packs up and leaves them in Sweden. I suppose that will be an issue for the federation as to how they can help their skater/coach/chaperone.

Does anyone know if this issue has occurred in other sports?

Thailand Badminton Open in Jan 2021. India's Top woman singles player tested +ve at the start of the tournament. This is the test positive mid way situation.

They had to test negative before entering Thailand or they cannot compete. Then quarantine for around 7 days. Tested every 3 to 4 days, I think it was Day 4, 9,13.

So, the woman singles player tested positive in one of those 3 days once test.
At 1st, Thai authorities told the whole Team India to quarantine for 10 days after woman singles player tested positive. India protested -> players who tested negative could compete but only the player alone. No coaches allowed.
The woman singles player 2nd test came back negative. While another India player tested positive & had to withdraw.

Usually these kind of things the embassy helps to take care of their citizen until they test negative & go home.
So, the rules & practices is according to the health authorities of the host country. In this case, Sweden.

 

[rollerblade]

Player tested positive is a very straight foward "you're out".

Player tested negative, but had been in the same room with another person who tested positive in the past 3 days. What will they do in this case?

 

[NanaPat]

Usually these kind of things the embassy helps to take care of their citizen until they test negative & go home.

Canada advised its citizens not to travel out of the country last March, and has repeated the advisory many times since. People continue to leave the country, and we have to let them back in because of provisions of our Constitution. However, there is very little appetite among the taxpayers for spending ANY government money on repatriation flights or quarantine or any other services to travellers. The Canadian government might help Canadians who contract COVID in another country, but there would be a huge outcry if people found out they were not recovering the full costs from the travellers involved.

Athletes may be in a different category, if they receive some sort of permission to travel, but I expect the sports federation or COC would be expected to provide and/or pay for any assistance needed.

 

[karne]

Yes. I know it! You think is it problem for governments of other countries to vaccinate delegations?

The second part of my message was intended more for those who wrote that the Russian delegation poses a viral threat at competitions.

In some countries, vaccination has not started yet, and is being prioritised. In Australia our program will not start until the end of February, and athletes, unless they have some condition that puts them in the vulnerable category, will fall into the lowest-priority group (as they should). And it will be slow, because at first we will have to import our doses from Europe. We will soon be able to manufacture here, but not yet.

The Russian delegation does pose a threat because they have proven over and over again that they cannot be trusted to follow even the most basic protocol for protecting themselves and others. And, I'll be frank: I don't trust this Russian "vaccine". There is no trustworthy data on it. Even the best of the other vaccines not that they may not halt transmission. Therefore, if the Russians refuse to follow protocol they will still be a threat.

 

[ELEk3k]

The Russian delegation does pose a threat because they have proven over and over again that they cannot be trusted to follow even the most basic protocol for protecting themselves and others. And, I'll be frank: I don't trust this Russian "vaccine". There is no trustworthy data on it. Even the best of the other vaccines not that they may not halt transmission. Therefore, if the Russians refuse to follow protocol they will still be a threat.

I hope you have a choice of vaccine. As far as Sputnik V is concerned, I think you are mistaken, and there is a lot of politics. I am sure that she will soon go to Europe. Do you think the Russian government is want killing its own people and people in other countries?

 

[kan01]

I like (not) how the other big pharma vaccines are more trustworthy, but the Russian one is not. Aren't the Russian scientists worthy or are only the western scientists good enough? I see this narrative quite often, when something is questioned apparently only for being Russian. And I get there are not enough studies available and all that, but the other vaccines are not 100% okay either. I'm not Russian, I just find it a double standard.

 

[1111bm]

I like (not) how the other big pharma vaccines are more trustworthy, but the Russian one is not. Aren't the Russian scientists worthy or are only the western scientists good enough? I see this narrative quite often, when something is questioned apparently only for being Russian. And I get there are not enough studies available and all that, but the other vaccines are not 100% okay either. I'm not Russian, I just find it a double standard.

I don't think this was a comment on russian scientists or russian products, but rather the russian government.

 

[kan01]

I don't think this was a comment on russian scientists or russian products, but rather the russian government.

My comment was about the vaccines.

 

[zanadude]

Player tested positive is a very straight foward "you're out".

Player tested negative, but had been in the same room with another person who tested positive in the past 3 days. What will they do in this case?

Similar situation happened in January sumo tournament. Yokozuna Hakuho and a couple of staff in the same stable tested positive right before the start of the tournament. Sumo Association banned the entire stable from the tournament, as well as any other sumo wrestlers that may have been a close contact with any of them, even if they tested negative.

A lot of people thought that this was unfair, but throughout the tournament, several of these wrestlers would then go on to test positive. Given the close proximity these wrestlers get to each other during matches, these strict measures likely prevented a major breakout in all stables from taking place.

Fortunately, such close contact between other figure skaters is limited, so probably not such a great concern of infection taking place during competition.

 

[readernick]

For athletes, it is enough to make requirements for the presence of antibodies against the virus and that's it. Why arrange endless tests if we are have test of enough for immunity?
I think it won't be a big problem for countries to instill their delegations and athletes.

I am sure that Russian skaters have already been vaccinated, under control of our sport comitet, before starting of 1 channel cup.
Vaccination in Russia picking up speed. I vaccinated yesterday, my mother and brother whitch living in siberia vaccinated on las week. We are not working in the goverment sector or somethink similar. It was free of charge and quick.

The issue is that antibodies against one variant won't necessarily protect against another, and the vaccine while likely to prevent serious disease doesn't necessarily prevent you from spreading the virus to someone else. Additionally, the Russian vaccine hasn't been tested against the SA variant. I believe testing has begun but the results are not known and likely won't be for several months. These same issues apply to almost all vaccines, not only Sputnik. So, testing is still necessary. A true bubble is still necessary. It is upsetting that the ISU isn't taking this more seriously. At minimum, all skaters should be required to be tested 48 hours before boarding a flight, they should then be forced to quarantine for at least 3/4 days and not be allowed to practice until negative tests come back. Tests should continue to be administered throughout the event. All skaters and coaches should be required to wear effective face coverings throughout the event. Anyone testing positive should not be allowed to participate and anyone who violates the rules should be withdrawn immediately. Only with such measures, can the risk of infection be reduced.

 

[zanadude]

Meanwhile, Melbourne is going back into lockdown, and the Australian Open is continuing without fans.

I guess you might as well continue with the tennis tournament, seeing as they have already went through all the trouble of bringing these people in with extended quarantine, but other countries are going to wonder if this latest outbreak with the UK variant would have happened if they were never brought in to begin with. This will more than cancel out the economic impact that the tournament was to bring in.

 

[karne]

I hope you have a choice of vaccine. As far as Sputnik V is concerned, I think you are mistaken, and there is a lot of politics. I am sure that she will soon go to Europe. Do you think the Russian government is want killing its own people and people in other countries?

I like (not) how the other big pharma vaccines are more trustworthy, but the Russian one is not. Aren't the Russian scientists worthy or are only the western scientists good enough? I see this narrative quite often, when something is questioned apparently only for being Russian. And I get there are not enough studies available and all that, but the other vaccines are not 100% okay either. I'm not Russian, I just find it a double standard.

I don't think this was a comment on russian scientists or russian products, but rather the russian government.

The last comment gets it. I don't think the Russian government cares about anything other than "being perceived as better than the West", thus the rushed-through vaccine. We are also talking about a government that has not been truthfully reporting its numbers, rather recording them as pneumonia.

And we are talking about a figure skating team who has proven again and again and again that they cannot be trusted to follow the most basic protocols for prevention.

Meanwhile, Melbourne is going back into lockdown, and the Australian Open is continuing without fans.

I guess you might as well continue with the tennis tournament, seeing as they have already went through all the trouble of bringing these people in with extended quarantine, but other countries are going to wonder if this latest outbreak with the UK variant would have happened if they were never brought in to begin with. This will more than cancel out the economic impact that the tournament was to bring in.

The tennis will be cancelled for sure if this outbreak gets bigger or the snap lockdown has to go for longer than 5 days. So far the snap lockdowns have been effective, but the UK strain is a real risk.

 

[zanadude]

The tennis will be cancelled for sure if this outbreak gets bigger or the snap lockdown has to go for longer than 5 days. So far the snap lockdowns have been effective, but the UK strain is a real risk.

I doubt the tennis itself will be cancelled, as the athletes are designated as "essential workers". But the ability to view them in person will.