Tennis: Measures taken by ATP and WTA to tackle coronavirus
What's the story
In wake of the deadly coronavirus crisis, the ATP and WTA have asked tennis players not to give away used towels and sweatbands to fans. The ATP and WTA have jointly announced precautionary measures to be implemented at tournaments including the Indian Wells and the Miami Open. Here are all the details of the measures implemented.
Statement
ATP and WTA issue joint statement
In a joint statement, the ATP and WTA said health and safety is "paramount". "As the outbreak of COVID-19 continues, these are common sense precautions for us to take," the statement read. "We continue to monitor this closely on a daily basis, working with our players and tournaments, as well as public health authorities as the situation evolves globally."
Measures
Key measures implemented by the ATP and WTA
Besides being asked not to give away towels and headbands, players have been directed not to accept pens, balls or other items from fans for autograph signing. Other measures include, players and mascots will not hold hands when walking out on court Ball boys and girls will be provided with gloves. Ball boys and girls will not handle player towels and drinks during matches
Information
Measures implemented at the Indian Wells
According to BBC, the organizers of the Indian Wells directed the ball boy and girls to abstain from touching players' towels, besides being asked to wear gloves. Notably, 250 hand sanitizing stations have been installed. The Indian Wells qualifiers is set to begin on Monday.
Sporting events
How has coronavirus affected sporting events?
In Formula 1, the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix from March 20-22 is set to be held behind closed doors. The Gymnastics World Cup event in Doha will also be held behind closed doors in the Qatari capital. In football, the Coppa Italia second leg fixture between Juventus and AC Milan was earlier postponed. India's FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Qatar was also postponed.