A number of athletes and parents have been asking for advice in relation to the coronavirus. The situation is changing daily with regards to travel and at the time of writing (31/01/2020) the FCO is advising “against all travel to Hubei Province” and “against all but essential travel to the rest of mainland China (not including Hong Kong and Macao)”.

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china

The FIE has informed us that the Senior Women’s Epee World Cup 20-22 March 2020 will now be held in Tashkent (UZB) on the same dates.

The Foil Grand Prix scheduled on 15-17 May 2020 in China will now be held in Dubai (UAE) on the same dates.

In the meantime the advice BF has been given is that there is no urgent requirement for athletes to take any specific precautions other than those you would typically take to avoid catching flu at this time of year.

• Generally avoiding contact or proximity to those who are obviously ill (runny noses, coughs, sneezing).
• Regular hand washing/application of hand gel and good personal hygiene.
• The handshake at the end of a bout poses minimal risk but use of hand gel regularly is still advisable.
• Avoiding sharing cups/water bottles, cutlery, towels.
• Steering clear of crowded areas such as public transport during rush hour.
• When travelling, hand hygiene after getting on public transportation and after getting off.  As well as before any meal eaten in public.
• Air travel: use alcohol wipes to wipe down seat arms and tray table.

Athletes suffering from any form of compromised immune system or possible illness should seek medical advice before travelling and competing.

The situation with the coronavirus is changing daily so we recommend monitoring the government advice.

WHO advice

It is recommended following these measures to reduce the general risk of transmission of acute respiratory infections:

• Avoid close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections;
• Wash your hands frequently, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment;
• Avoid unprotected contact with farm or wild animals;
• People with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practise cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, and wash their hands).

WHO does not recommend any specific health measures such as isolation unless travellers experience any symptoms suggestive of acute respiratory illness either during or after travelling, in which case they are encouraged to seek medical attention and share their travel history with their healthcare provider.

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public 

As the situation develops as this advice may change – please ensure that you regularly check.

updated 18.02.2020