BCCI drafts COVID-19 testing protocol for IPL 2020
The BCCI has now prepared a draft specifying the COVID-19 testing protocol for IPL 2020 for all the players and support staff. Every Indian player and support staff will have to return negative for COVID-19 at least five times before they start training in the UAE for the Indian Premier League (IPL). COVID-19 testing protocol for IPL 2020will also is conducted every fifth day during the IPL as per BCCI’s draft protocol. There is also a mandatory 14-day quarantine period for the contingent with their respective teams in India.
RT-PCR tests will be done
A week before this quarantine, they will have to undergo two COVID-19 RT-PCR tests within a gap of 24 hours, said a BCCI official in an interview with PTI. If any individual turns out COVID-19 positive in these tests then he will have to undergo quarantine for at least 14 days. He will have to undergo the two COVID-19 RT-PCR tests once again before departing to the UAE.
“There could be minor changes to this COVID-19 testing protocol for IPL 2020 depending on the feedback from the teams, but there will not be any compromise on players and team officials’ safety,” an official said. The overseas players will be following the same protocols as the other Indian players and support staff. Just like them, even the overseas players need to have two Covid-19 RT-PCR tests done before departing to the UAE.
In case the result turns out positive, the mandatory quarantine of 14 days will be applicable. All the individuals will be quarantined for at least a week after arriving in the UAE.
“Anyone who breaches the bio-secure protocols will have to be in self-isolation for seven days and return two negative tests on day 6 and 7,” the official added. It is up to the teams if they want to allow partners and family members of the players. The protocols and restrictions will be applicable to them just in case the teams allow partners and family members to accompany the players. The BCCI is taking all the precautions possible as the mammoth task of ensuring that COVID-19 doesn’t become a barrier for IPL 2020. All the IPL fans would be hoping that things go as per planned and we get to see this edition IPL without any issues.