This week, the FEI Board has a three-day meeting via videoconference and during Tuesday’s session FEI Medical Committee Chair Dr Mark Hart gave an update on the global Covid-19 pandemic. 

Dr Hart stressed the importance of safety and the application of the FEI’s ‘Policy for Enhanced Competition Safety’ for the global resumption of events and the future success of the sport. He emphasised the importance of social distancing, face coverings and thorough hygiene in the battle against Covid-19 and confirmed that the discipline-specific guidelines are currently being finalised. 

In the short summary from the meeting, it is pointed out that it is up to national federations and organisers to ensure the safety of all participants at events. 

Since the publication of the ‘FEI Policy for Enhanced Competition Safety during the Covid-19 Pandemic’ in May, the FEI has received more than 30 risk assessment submissions for upcoming events. In order to facilitate OCs, a new FAQ section has now been made available on the Return to Play hub. 

International jumping events resumed last week after a three-month break, with most of the shows running under strict Covid-19 protocols. Meanwhile, other sports – such as golf and tennis – have experienced participants and their supporting personnel testing positive to Covid-19. The regional Adria Tour – a tennis tournament [set up to be played in Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina] with spectators present – was cancelled after players that participated tested positive to the virus. The tournament has been criticised for lack of social distancing, and for its relaxed attitude in regards to public health and safety measures. Photos from the tournament showed players embracing, as well as shoulder to shoulder in groups – while spectators were pictured seated closely and without wearing masks. In the US, the PGA Tour's Travelers Championship – that has a pre-tournament screening programme – had golfers pull out due to positive test.