Welcome to the FIS Covid-19 FAQ page. Please send all general questions you might have concerning the FIS World Cup Risk Management Covid-19 Testing Protocol, the FIS Covid-19 Prevention Guidelines or other Covid-19 related questions to c19support{at}fisski.com We will publish all relevant questions and answers asap. For specific questions relating to FIS events please direct these to the respective FIS discipline assistant or c19support{at}fisski.com.
Questions & Answers
General Questions
FIS Covid-19 Passport
Events and Local Organising Committees
1. GENERAL QUESTIONS
If we are below 70% participation of the top 10 nations what does this mean? race cancellation?
The confirmation of the possible participation of 7 of the top 10 nations will be reviewed by deadlines for preliminary entries. It does not mean that race will be automatically canceled if we have less than 7 Nations from the top 10 participating. FIS Race Management, Covid-19 task force and LOC will be in close touch and monitor the development of the situation together with Health National Authorities.
No negative PCR test, no admission to race, correct?
For each specific event, please refer to LOC regulations compiled in compliance with national rules based on FIS Risk Management & Testing Protocol
Wouldn't it be safer and more consistent if FIS would enforce pre-event tests for athletes and stuff regardless of LOC regulations?
There is a requirement (p.32 of Prevention Guidelines) to have a negative test prior to arrival/accreditation. The timing has been left open, to avoid confusion as different LOCs have differing rules. Normally between 3-5 days, it might be more consistent. The possibility of getting infected between tests makes it impossible to create the perfect programme.
In addition, implementing a rigid FIS testing protocol across all countries will collide with local rules and regulations as well as being an enormous financial burden to the FIS and the LOCs. With the experience in summer ski jumping, international cycling and fight sports, such an effort is not justified, not even from a medical point of view.
Have you considered appointing a FIS Covid-19 Manager for each event who cares about the responsibility to check right that the FIS family (federation, teams, Tv boardc. Ecc.) follows correctly the rules established by LOC?
We have appointed respective groups. Rasmus Damsgaard - Expert; FIS Covid-19 Medical Support Group per discipline (see Webinar presentation). They will be available virtually.
On the health questionnaire, there is a question "have you been in contact with someone with a proven infection with Covid-19". Is there a timeline associated with this question?
During the last 14 days.
Will teams with a certain number of positive Covid-19-tests be excluded (two strikes out)?
The Expert for Testing and Hygiene is responsible to review the situation and will suggest further action (e.g. testing the entire team asap).
Depending on restrictions in the country where the event is held, we will have different regulations in terms of how many days in advance we have to do the PCR test. Where can we get the information about when to do it?
The National/Regional Health Organisation will set travel criteria that could be reflecting different requirements for Event participating countries. The LOC will provide a Health Event protocol along with an official invitation where all the information will be clearly stated.
If there still are travel restrictions: how can the participants, staff, media from countries with restrictions come to the races?
The National/Regional Health organisation has several definitions of travel restrictions. One is for tourists and the second is for business trips under which participation in sports events should be recognised. It is mandatory that National/Regional health instructions are followed for all those different cases.
Can you provide the literature references for the use of antibody testing? How is this being applied with some early cases of reinfection coming to light?
That is a Ph.D. project. I suggest searching for and read the literature references provided by Roche and Abbott on their respective websites. The early cases of reinfection have not yet been peer-reviewed and published to an extent that any light can be shed on the reinfection issue.
Is it Antigen quick TEST on Covid-19 approved by FIS? Also provide an easily accessible rapid testing source on-site for possible re-testing, leaving venues, etc.
“Antigen Test” is close to be launched and this will be a major game-changer in facilitating the convenience, speed and organisation of tests and therefore health protection. The benefit is that you can get testing results in 10 to 15 minutes. The antigen test is already launched in the USA. In the next few weeks are expecting to have approved Antigen TEST. The test needs to be taken by a medical person.
It is also indicated in the protocol that whatever the protocol will be on site is that the testing protocols recognize the possibility for the teams to be tested also for outgoing opportunities. The LOC should facilitate easy access to testing protocol opportunities for the teams.
Enforcing mask-wearing is clearly the safest and most logical way to ensure that in situations where adequate distancing is not possible, infection/spread can still be controlled.+
It was indicated in the Webinar presentation that wearing a mask, a high level of hygiene and keeping social distancing (1.5m to 2m) are key elements of prevention. In situations where distance cannot be respected masks will be required.
How is doping control going to work? Distancing, bathroom Sanitization, general safety. (When being drug tested, you are actually not allowed to wash your hands with soap, which goes directly against Covid-19 guidelines).
Hand washing is still recommended when the athlete is entering the doping control station and officers will offer a single pair of packed gloves to be used. Thereafter the gloves can still be disinfected and wait 30 to 40 seconds before giving the sample. Refer to two documents that support this protocol, one would be WADA guidelines on testing during the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as FIS Covid-19 doping control policy.
Why is FIS not providing an independent, third-party testing source to ensure all tests are accurate and fair.
FIS is not a legal authority and the respective government authorities define the testing protocol in their countries. All tests carried out by the national authorities will therefore be the official national tests. The FIS Passport Database will oversee and contain all testing results and certificates. FIS is in negotiation with a world-wide lab network in order to facilitate certain content that could provide the highest level analysis that is available. LOC protocol must be in line with Local Health requirements and regulations in defining these protocols. FIS cannot set the standard for this. FIS has set guidelines and recommendations and it is already seen that National rules and LOCs are much stricter than those.
Assuming the concern is the cost of testing, FIS could at LEAST organize the testing site and the independent and unbiased source/lab and still have NGBs/federations pay, since we are paying for it already.
This is effectively what is happening with the official testing arrangements required to conform to the FIS protocol and subject to approval. E.g. Soelden. There will be a local laboratory truck on-site, where fast turnaround analysis in a couple of hours for all those who had a problem with testing prior to arrival to Soelden, available. Additionally, this Lab will be used for testing during the event and as well as outgoing opportunities. On-site the LOC will have a Covid-19 coordinator responsible for the management and support teams and other stakeholders.
FIS officials are only required to test every 2-3 weeks? Is that in addition to testing coming into each venue?
FIS officials testing will be fully up to date as per all “FIS Snowflake” participants. FIS officials will comply with requirements set up by LOCs. But in addition, FIS officials will have a separate testing regime set by the FIS Expert for Testing and Hygiene, and there is a difference between FIS Race staff that will attend the competition and FIS Staff in the office. FIS race staff will have a more strict testing regime.
FIS staff were assets in different ways depending on travel requirements. The testing interval will be around every 5-7 days. All FIS Staff will be in full compliance with all LOC regulations.
2. FIS PASSPORT
Is the FIS Passport just for athletes?
It is for all persons requesting accreditation (World Cup) - excluding LOC volunteers (and eventually other workforce groups) working apart from the teams.
Can you explain more in-depth? What is the FIS Passport?
The FIS Passport will be an electronic application with three functionalities: recording of Covid-19 testing, recording of whereabouts, health questionnaire completion.
How do you access the FIS Passport?
The FIS Passport application will be accessible via smartphone and computer.
When can persons access the FIS Passport and register?
FIS will communicate with all stakeholders once the FIS Passport being available and ready to use. It is set to be implemented by 01 October 2020 and is planned to be ready for usage by 15 October 2020.
What is the function of the FIS Passport in the accreditation system? Can the passport replace accreditation card?
The FIS C19 Passport will not replace accreditation system. It will set the base line for all World Cup event participants. LOC can use FIS Covid-19 Passport as reference for accreditation issue, but at the same time the LOC can have their own system. LOC will communicate all information about National/Regional Health requirements along with the Event invitation. The local health instructions are mandatory to be followed.
3. EVENTS - LOCAL ORGANISING COMMITTEES
Is the organizer responsible for the cost for an isolation/quarantine space if there is an outbreak or are the teams? This space could be needed for a few weeks.
This cost should be managed between the LOC and the team/individual.
How should the costs for isolation be managed including possible travel changes due to getting sick?
This must be agreed between LOC and teams. Spare room planning is an obligation of the LOC, coverage most probably by the teams.
Must face masks be worn if the minimum distance cannot be maintained, for example at the start of service persons?
Whenever distance cannot be kept, this is the suggestion according to WHO - please refer to FIS Covid-19 Prevention Guidelines
Do local volunteers and LOC members need to be tested for Covid19 before and during the World Cup event?
Please refer to the Risk Management & Testing Protocol (it mentions specific intelligent programmes to be implemented for every group. If the LOC creates various "snowflakes" (bubbles) and identifies volunteer groups not in contact with the teams (e.g. hill preparation), then a less strict programme might be the way to go.
Is there a cost estimation for tests made by the Local Organising Committees?
The LOCs are kindly requested to communicate costs of on-site testing with the Testing Protocol so participants are aware in advance.
Will the races be with spectators or without?
This decision is up to the local situation and LOC/Government regulations.
If a test is positive and team members have to quarantine, can they remain in FIS accommodation?
If a test is positive, the tested person has to proceed to isolation. The LOCs will have to have a plan for where infected people will be isolated and need to have a process in place.
What happens to a person who arrives at an event without a valid PCR test and takes a test there? Does this person have to be quarantined in the hotel or will this person not be admitted to the team at all?
Until the result of the test comes back, it is recommended to has as little contact as possible with other persons and eventually wear a mask as applicable (unless the LOC informs a stricter approach based on local regulations). It shall not influence the preparation of the race. In any case, a test prior to departure is therefore recommended to not be dependent on the on-site analysing time.
When is it necessary to test and where can this be done to comply with the 5-day rule for a valid PCR test?
The 5-day recommendation has been removed after having received various feedback since it was more confusing than helpful. Based on local regulations, the LOC will have the final call. In the best case, the LOC follows the FIS protocol, therefore if during the traveling time, no symptoms appear and no contact with people with symptoms has taken place, it shall not be required to test again before every race. But as mentioned before, the LOC will make the final call, local regulations prevail.
If I stay in the FIS bubble, will I not have to test again or will I be provided with a test on each new site?
A test on-site will only be provided under the above-mentioned criteria (symptoms, red country, contact with people with symptoms, etc) - based on FIS protocol. The LOC might introduce different rules depending on national regulations.
Can you clarify the way the teams are going to be tested? I read that they have to provide a negative test before arriving at the venue. Are you going to test the participants during the competitions, to make sure nobody has been contaminated after the provided negative test?
The regulations are established by each Local Organising Committee, together with the national authorities. Any follow-up testing will be determined by the national authorities medical expert as they deem necessary. FIS is not carrying out the testing or overseeing the testing at the event.
The document says that this will be the rules for Sölden. Is it going to be the same procedure for the rest of the competitions this Winter?
Each Organiser is responsible for establishing the required organisational plan including testing requirements agreed with the national authorities to obtain the clearance to organise the event, so they will likely all be different. The Austrian Ski Federation already informed FIS that the measures in Sölden are particularly strict.
Can Team members (Athletes, Team Support Staff, etc.) use Covid-19 rapid response RT-PCR tests (i.e. patient-administered COVID-19 testing kits) prior to arrival at the event as well as on arrival and during the event, and will such rapid response tests be deemed (considered as) an adequate and sufficient RT-PCR testing?
Yes and No:
YES: If the patient-administered kits have been officially approved by the national authorities in the country where the person is living/staying it can be used.
NO: However, to ensure the integrity of the sample, a healthcare professional must be present during the collection and sealing of the sample.
Conclusion: The kits must be approved by national authorities and a healthcare professional must be present to ensure the integrity of the sample.
Can we expect mandatory masks for everyone (including athletes, when they are not actually racing on-course) everywhere at the venues? (Especially in all spaces that require close contact, even if outside, ie. Liftlines) How will mask-wearing, or any of the other Cov-19 safety protocols be enforced?
Yes, FIS Guidelines give a clear recommendation towards this. In addition, LOCs are planning for all competition-related areas to be part of closed “FIS Snowflake”, including wherever possible lift access. Further to it, people that have direct exposure to athletes will be required to wear masks. This will be included in the LOCs Health measure protocol.
Additionally, the FIS Protocol is very strict. If someone steps outside of the “FIS Snowflake” they will be sanctioned and will lose accreditation for two weeks. We expect full cooperation with all parties about these rules.
In the webinar, Plexiglas separators were briefly mentioned— how will these be utilized to ensure proper distancing? Can we expect pods/barriers inside hospitality (and other spaces where almost the entire circuit is forced to be together in a tight space) to ensure adequate separation between team bubbles within “the World Cup Snowflake”?
Team hospitality will be a completely different incoming season. For Soelden all Stakeholders will be divided into 4 groups. The red group will include Athletes, Coaches, SRS people, FIS officials, Timing crew. The blue group includes volunteers, the yellow group will be reserved for media and the green group will be VIP, Sponsors and etc. Green group will never be in touch with the other three groups and for the other three groups the system is set to limit or not to provide any opportunity for contact. The red group will have their own hotel and separate parking. The red group will never mix with other groups and paths will not cross. Ski lift and gondolas will be as well restricted and mixing between groups will not be possible.
Team hospitality will be set up in a way that each team has its own tables and space. Bathrooms and other facilities will not be shared with any other groups and will be reserved only for Teams (Red group).
How should we expect to be able to separate adequately from spectators and the other general public/tourists? In almost all cases, based on our experience, this is not at all possible.
Presently most LOCs are planning without public due to the regulations in place and even if they will be allowed to have a defined number of public, there will be the necessary measures in place that there is a clear separation and distancing from the “FIS Snowflake” protected group with athletes highest priority.
How will meals be set up at races in the accommodation (and in hospitality)? Buffet? Separate dining rooms?
Accommodation will be reserved for each team and if this is not possible there will be separated floors for teams and other guests. Food will be reserved in different rooms for teams separated from other guests. Food will not be served like last year as a classical buffet.
Plans to complete inspection safely and avoid congestion on the slope?
The inspection will continue to be delivered without coaches, or coaches staying outside of the race line. On speed events, it will be possible for coaches to stay in the race line during the inspection. The Alpine Race Management has received positive comments from the Athletes last season, so this will continue. There will be smaller groups being created to enter the slope for inspection so that there will be fewer athletes at the same time on the course.
What metrics is FIS using to make decisions on race cancelations or having to cancel the season? Is this a discretionary decision by FIS, or are there certain criteria that FIS will be measuring throughout the season? Will FIS take the responsibility to cancel races if there is an outbreak and Covid-19 numbers increase.
FIS will be under the authorities of the National government regulations. FIS will not be able to overrule them. Regulations are extremely clear in terms of Health regulations of the Nation and FIS regulations in terms of the restrictions related to participation.
The most important task of the decision is to protect human beings to protect athletes and staff and etc. This is very important.
How will the start area and start “house” be managed? Will start house procedures be handled differently than usual?
The start area will be organized with more space and allowing social distances. Everyone is in the start area has to wear a protective mask, except the athletes during warm-up. In the starting tent there will be only the Start Referee and the timing personnel (max 2. incl. the hand-timer). They will all be wearing masks. The starting athlete will be allowed to enter the tent with two staff members (coach/physio and serviceman). Right after the start these two have to leave immediately the tent and make space for the next athlete.