WADA Message to Athletes - COVID-19
Published Wed 25 Mar 2020
Dear Athletes,
As you know, the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has continued to evolve into a health and societal emergency that has called for effective and immediate action by all of us around the world to minimize the likelihood of transmission and the impact on society. The situation clearly goes well beyond anti-doping and sport with most countries having put strict measures in place, which include border closures, quarantine/self-isolation, cancellation of flights, social movement restrictions, etc.
As the global regulatory body for anti-doping, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the global anti-doping community are prioritizing public health, safety and social responsibility. The community has banded together to adjust its daily operations by suspending or reducing doping control programs (including testing and other activities). We acknowledge that these necessary actions will impact upon athlete confidence that competitions, being carried out during or soon after we emerge from this situation, will be as clean as possible.
WADA also acknowledges how difficult this situation has been and will continue to be for you as athletes, as you deal with the strict measures that are being put in place around the world that are disrupting your training programs and creating uncertainty as to what’s in store for your future competitions.
The following Q&A, which WADA developed in consultation with its Athlete Committee, is meant to address some specific questions that you as athletes may have regarding anti-doping in light of this challenging, and rapidly evolving situation.
If you wish to know more about what specific measures your International Sport Federation (IF) or National Anti-Doping Agency (NADO) is taking in the face of this unprecedented challenge, please contact them directly as applicable. Meanwhile, if you wish to see what guidance WADA has provided to Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs), we would refer you to the Agency’s ADO Guidance of 20 March 2020.
As the situation evolves, please rest assured that WADA and the anti-doping community will continue to meet the challenges with your health, and that of all involved in clean sport, front-of-mind.
Best regards and stay healthy,
World Anti-Doping Agency