In the last few weeks the Novel Corona Virus outbreak in China has left many wondering how this threat may impact World Skate events scheduled in China as part of the Olympic Qualification system. With this communication we would like to provide information to our stakeholders on how World Skate and our partners in China will face this challenge.

 At World Skate we are carefully monitoring the outbreak and reviewing any actions that may be necessary with all relevant organizations. All developments and scenarios are evaluated in constant consultation with Chinese officials and the World Skate Medical Commission. 

 With our events being scheduled from April onward, and with the significant steps currently being undertaken by the Chinese government to curb the outbreak, it is now too early to evaluate how and if there will be any impact on our events. However, with many countries and commercial airlines currently stopping travel to China and inline with World Health Organization guidelines, World Skate advises only essential travel to China until further notice. 

 World Skate also recommends following the World Health Organizations guidelines listed below for any essential travel.

WHO advice: 

It is recommended following the 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).

Athlete and staff welfare are World Skate’s top priority and, with this in mind, we will continue to monitor the situation. We will reevaluate and release a new update by mid-February.