The situation which has arisen from the COVID-19 world-wide pandemic makes it necessary for us to adopt a series of measures and protocols aligning with the local, state, and federal health authorities.
Challenge Cancún is subject to and follows guidelines and the current indications of those authorities at all times.
Below are the specific preventive actions for the development of Challenge Cancun 2021, an event which is endorsed by The Mexican Triathlon Federation (FMTRI) and with the corresponding consent of the Municipality of Benito Juárez and the State of Quintana Roo, which will help avoid the spread of COVID-19.
These actions will ensure the competition takes place in a safe environment for athletes, staff, volunteers, spectators, and technical officials.
It’s important to create a broad sense of individual responsibility not only on the part of the staff, officials, and volunteers but also among the athletes and their companions, making sure they monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms such as feverm cough, etc., as well as observing and following hygiene protocols and measures established by health and local authorities.
Mexican Triathlon Federation (FMTRI) advises the following recommendations from the Ministry of Health:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer
- Practice social distancing by keeping at least one and a half meters (approximately 5 feet) between others
- Avoid shaking hands or hugging
- Avoid touching of mouth, nose, or eyes
If you decide to travel to the competition, consider the inherent risks involved in the following modes of travel:
Airplane: Most viruses and other germs aren’t easily spread on flights. It’s important to follow the recommendations of the airlines.
Bus: Follow the recommendations of the bus service. The use of face masks is recommended.
Automobile: It’s important to reduce the number of stops in public places to avoid being close to someone who could be infected. It’s essential to carry with you any medication, food, and beverages that you may need on your trip and pack a sufficient quantity of hand sanitizer.
If spending the night in a hotel or rental property, avoid close contact with others, wash hands frequently, clean and disinfect high contact surfaces such as tables, light switches, handles, desks, remote controls, toilets, and sink faucets. Wash all dishes, glasses, and silverware before using them.
We, as the organizing committee, are responsible for developing a strategy based on local restrictions in which we will consider five main points:
- Social distancing
- Measures to reduce contact between participants
- Control and detection of COVID-19
- The autonomy of the participants
- Education
Such strategies will be discussed with the local authorities and the FMTRI and together, using the WHO risk assessment tool and the event medical plan should be the main documents created to address COVID-19 preparations.
For our part, we will observe the following measures before, during, and after the competition:
BEFORE THE EVENT
- Temperature checks and the use of face masks for every person who enters each different area of the event.
- COVID-19 tests for staff and volunteers the day before the event.
- Provide all the separate event areas with social distancing signage, emergency contact numbers, as well as indications, and hygiene protocols.
- Implement access areas to provide face masks, gloves, antibacterial gel and body temperature detection, and restricting access to event areas, before, during and after the competition, to anybody who has a temperature higher than 37.5 degrees Celsius (99.5 degrees Farenheit).
- Have medical personnel on hand experienced in the management of COVID-19 individuals, per the statutes of the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Minimize concentrations of people during registration, through the establishment of designated times for athletes to collect their competitor pack.
- Encourage the use of face masks in all areas of the event and athlete registration.
- Greater distance in the registration booth area.
- Provide information and meetings for athletes remotely, through electronic means.
DURING THE EVENT
- Social distancing and use of face masks in designated transportation for athletes.
- Placement of sanitization points in various areas of the event, with antibacterial gel and temperature checks when necessary.
- Provide face mask trash receptacles, for which participants must wear in the pre-start area.
- Rolling style swimming start with adequate social distancing in place.
- Self-service supplies for athletes.
- Reduce the number of volunteers and staff.
- Encourage the use of face masks and hygiene measures among spectators, local spectators, staff and volunteers.
- Greater spacing in transition areas and relay tents, as well as fixed hours for the entry of bicycles.
AFTER THE EVENT
- Reduced number of staff and accredited press personnel as well as no spectators.
- Elimination of pools and tubs.
- Self-service stations in recovery area.
- Time limits in the finish area.
- Medal delivery with the least amount of staff required.
- Avoid crowds in the finish and recovery areas, as well as continue to promote the use of face masks and hygiene measures among spectators, residents, staff, and volunteers.
- Eliminate award ceremonies and any other gathering that would encourage the crowding of people.
The local health authority will be the highest and absolute authority and all registrants and companions are subject to the indications they give at any time. The representatives of the State Health Secretariat have the authority to request the clearing of spaces, distance at specific points and the mandatory use of face masks. Failure to comply with any of its indications in relation to the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 may result in disqualification of the competitor.
As an organizing committee, we are fully subject to the indications of state and municipal authorities to put on the event under the restrictions indicated by the COVID-19 traffic light monitoring system´s color of the day.
The impact of COVID-19 will undoubtedly have a lasting and significant mark on the planning and operation of events, that is why it’s essential to work together and build a close relationship between the organizing committee, participants, visitors, and local authorities, and comply with all preventative and safety measures put in place, thus avoiding a greater number of infections.
We count on everyone’s support!
Organizing Committee Challenge Cancun
For more information, we invite you to visit:
https://www.caribemexicano.travel/preguntas-frecuentes-covid-19/
INFORMATION REGARDING PCR TESTS IN THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN PRIOR TO THE TOURIST DEPARTURES:
