Even if COVID-19 cases surge, no set guidelines for US Open
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The U.S. Tennis Association has still not finalised how many positive COVID-19 cases would force the US Open to be called off. However, a player testing positive for COVID-19 will be then and there ‘dropped’ from the U.S. Open.
“There are no guidelines available to determine what number (of positive tests) will compel.” according to a 10½-page “Player Q&A Update” sent out this week by the USTA.
Usually held in Cincinnati the Western & Southern Open is slated for the hard courts at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center from August 20-28, followed by the U.S. Open from August 31 to September 13.
Although, No spectators will be allowed at either tournament.
Players have asked the USTA to provide a transit letter that would allow them to bypass a quarantine period when going from New York to Europe. As they cited concerns about needing to quarantine while returning to Europe for clay-court tournaments in Rome and Paris that are scheduled after the U.S Open.
On Friday, USTA spokesman Chris Widmaier said, ” representatives are in touch with the WTA, ATP, the French tennis federation and government officials in Italy and France about the issue.”
“We are confident that working with this extended group, we will be able to get the assurances the players would like,” Widmaier wrote in an email.
Update on coronavirus protocols/guidelines for US Open
Although they’re allowed to go to the tournament site if the first test comes back negative, Players and guests — up to three per entrant in singles — must pass two coronavirus nasal swab tests 48 hours apart after arriving.
The USTA document says, “We anticipate results will be returned in 24 hours or less.”
Those who test positive for antibodies will take follow-up COVID-19 tests every seven days; those with negative results for antibodies — or who aren’t checked — must take COVID-19 tests every four days for the rest of their time in the “bubble”. Although, antibody tests are encouraged, but not required.
For both events at Flushing Meadows, players need written permission from tournament director Stacy Allaster or the chief medical officer to leave the “bubble” established.
Or else, they’ll be pushed out of the competition and will be fined as well. If coaches or guests exit the “bubble,” they’ll not be allowed to get one next year and will lose their 2020 credential.
The USTA said, “unless the medical team determines otherwise.”— Players staying at rental homes need to have — and pay for — 24-hour security. The USTA “must be provided with access to the external security egress and ingress information for the duration of the time in the private housing.”
There will be private housing available for rent along from two official hotels for players and their guests. And anyone staying there will need further nasal swabs every four days and will undergo the same initial testing procedures.
Also Read Top 20 Male players likely to skip US Open 2020 over quarantine rules
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