Speaking to motogp.com ahead of the planned return to racing at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto in July, MotoGP™ Medical Director Dr Angel Charte outlined Dorna Sports, the FIM and IRTA’s Covid-19 protocol at the circuits.
Dr Charte has assured MotoGP™ is going to be very strict, especially at the first race, despite most Spain either in ‘Phase 3’ or the ‘New Normal’ by the time the MotoGP™ paddock descends there. Below you will find the key points from what Dr Charte had to say about the Covid-19 protocol.
- Do a Covid-19 test five days before the event
- Self-isolation for five days (after doing the test until the event)
- There will be random testing, if necessary, at the circuit
- Quiron Prevencion (part of Quiron Salut) will work with the MotoGP™ medical team to ensure safety
- Use of PPE by all personnel whilst traveling to the circuit and at the circuit
- Use of facemasks at all times when possible, encourage handwashing/hygiene guidelines
- Isolating personnel into groups, including riders on the same team - each rider will have their pre-defined team - and they won’t be able to mix
- Follow social distancing guidelines
- Tracking data using an app for the tests, daily checkups and who’s in contact with whom
- Daily medical checkups for all 1200 members of the paddock to look out for possible symptoms
- A lower capacity and staggered timetable in the Clinica Mobile so it doesn’t get too crowded
- Medical staff to use PPE and Covid-19 safety measures just like any hospital in Spain/Europe
- Anyone suspected of having the virus (showing symptoms) will be sent to a confined area of the medical centre for further examination
- If there’s a high chance of it being Covid-19 they will be sent directly to a local hospital (which will be on standby) where further swab, antibody and lung function tests will be carried out
- If the tests come back negative the person will return to the circuit and be treated in the medical centre
- If the tests come back positive for coronavirus they will be confined to the hospital or an assigned hotel under MotoGP™ medical direction control