Positive COVID-19 test at the World Rowing Asia and Oceania Continental Olympic and Paralympic Qualification Regatta

A team support member of the Sri Lanka rowing team has tested positive today, 5 May 2021 for COVID-19, following positive antigen and PCR tests. Event protocols put in place to limit the risk of infection are being followed and the other members of the Sri Lanka team have all tested negative today on both the antigen and follow-up PCR tests.

As part of the protocols for this event, all participants were tested yesterday, 4 May and today, 5 May (320 tests in total), and this was the only positive case. As the event protocol creates team bubbles for accommodation, dining and transport, there has been no cross transmission to another team or local volunteers.

For the record, all participants at this event tested negative before flying to Japan on 29 or 30 April, tested negative upon arrival in Japan on 1 May, tested negative on 4 May and all except this one case tested negative on 5 May 2021.

At this stage, the event will continue as planned, under the direction of the local authorities.

All team managers are advised to continue to closely monitor their athletes and support staff, and all participants at the event follow the protocols in place, including wearing a mask at all times over the mouth and nose, respecting social distancing among teams and regularly washing or disinfecting hands.

We thank the Japanese authorities, Japan Sports Agency, Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the local organisers the Japan Rowing Association for their close collaboration in preparing the countermeasures for this event and the efficient follow-up.

World Rowing Executive Committee