Kuala Lumpur: All 216 players were tested negative for COVID-19 in the latest testing from the Badminton World Federation (BWF) in Bangkok.
BWF published a statement saying that it has gone through several rounds of tests for COVID-19 since the arrival of all athletes in Bangkok last Sunday, and all the 824 participants who were in the Green Zone bubble in Bangkok, were tested negative for COVID-19.
The Green Zone includes players, coaches, team staff, and other personnel who will have direct contact with the players such as referees, line judges, staff from BWF and Thai Badminton Association, medical and TV production crews.
According to BWF regulation, all participants must be verified as COVID-19 negative in their respective countries before departing for Bangkok. They had to undergo COVID-19 tests again upon arrival in Bangkok.
As part of the Green Zone bubble policy, players, staff, and officials from Thailand also need to be tested and quarantined.
“Players are now free to undergo training under strict security protocols. Quarantine measures will be implemented throughout the mandatory supervision period of 14 days, including during the Thai Yonex Open,” said BWF in the statement.
“More COVID-19 test routines will be made with strict security protocols, until the end of the Asian round which ends with the BWF World Tour on 31 January,” added BWF.
Players will participate at the YONEX Thai Open starting next Tuesday until next Sunday. The Toyota Thai Open will kick off from Jan 19 to Jan 24 and the 2020 BWF World Tour Finals will be held from Jan 27 to Jan 31.
