Is there really a serious risk for the players and staff sarri questions coronavirus protocols

Yes, there is a serious risk of COVID-19 transmission to players and staff in professional sports, including football, due to the close proximity and physical contact involved in the game. The risk is higher in environments where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, such as in locker rooms, on the field, and during team travel.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and the Italian Ministry of Health have implemented various protocols to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission in football, including:

  1. Social distancing measures: Players and staff are required to maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3.3 feet) from each other during training and matches.
  2. Mask-wearing: Players and staff are required to wear masks in areas where social distancing is not possible, such as in locker rooms and during team travel.
  3. Temperature checks: Players and staff are required to undergo temperature checks before each match and training session.
  4. Testing: Players and staff are required to undergo COVID-19 testing regularly, with the frequency of testing depending on the specific protocols in place.
  5. Quarantine and isolation: Players and staff who test positive for COVID-19 or are in close contact with someone who has tested positive are required to quarantine or isolate for a specified period.

Despite these protocols, there is still a risk of COVID-19 transmission in football. The risk is higher in certain situations, such as:

  1. Close contact: Players and staff who are in close contact with each other, such as during tackles or physical confrontations, are at a higher risk of transmission.
  2. Shared equipment: Players and staff who share equipment, such as balls or gloves, are at a higher risk of transmission.
  3. Travel: Team travel, including flights and buses, can increase the risk of transmission due to the close proximity of players and staff.
  4. Crowded areas: Areas with high foot traffic, such as stadiums and locker rooms, can increase the risk of transmission.

To mitigate these risks, football clubs and leagues are implementing additional measures, such as:

  1. Increased cleaning and disinfection: Stadiums and locker rooms are being cleaned and disinfected regularly to reduce the risk of transmission.
  2. Reduced capacity: Some stadiums are operating at reduced capacity to reduce the risk of transmission.
  3. Virtual meetings: Teams are using virtual meetings to reduce the need for in-person meetings and minimize the risk of transmission.
  4. Personal protective equipment (PPE): Players and staff are being provided with PPE, such as masks and gloves, to reduce the risk of transmission.

Overall, while there is a serious risk of COVID-19 transmission in football, the protocols and measures in place are designed to minimize this risk and ensure the safety of players and staff.