February 28, 2020 – The Croatian Olympic Committee (HOO), has issued guidelines to all Croatian athletes and teams regarding the latest coronavirus events and preventive measures.
Adhering to the recommended measures, all athletes and sports teams must announce their departure to sports competitions outside the borders of Croatia and await the official position of the competent authorities on whether or not they have a permit to leave, reports Glas Istre.
According to the statement, HOO closely monitors all events related to the occurrence of the coronavirus, especially to the viruses in the countries in our region, as well as the first cases in Croatia. Adhering to the recommended measures, all athletes and sports teams must announce their departure to sports competitions outside the borders of Croatia and await the official position of the competent authorities on whether or not they have a permit to leave.
“Regarding the possibility of canceling the Tokyo Olympics this year, of course, there is a threat. But at the HOO, we believe that there is enough time to put this global health crisis under control in a timely manner and that the Olympic Games will certainly be held. Otherwise, HOO will follow the recommendations and decisions of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which, together with the World Health Organization, monitors developments in the spread of coronaviruses. We are reminded that the IOC informed its members in mid-February that the cancellation of the Olympic Games in Tokyo, or their relocation from Tokyo, is out of the question for now,” the HOO said in a statement.
Otherwise, the Croatian Olympic Committee has also forwarded general hygiene measures to Croatian athletes and teams, stating that on all trips and competitions, especially trips and competitions in distant destinations with unusual climatic conditions (lots of humidity, etc.) and food items, it is important to adhere to all necessary hygiene measures for health protection. There is a special risk associated with mass gatherings, i.e., sports competitions.
Particularly important, the HOO Health Committee points out that athletes and teams should adhere to all the guidelines of the relevant health institutions and guidelines of the world sports organizations, as well as the organizers of multisport events in which they participate (athlete, coach, judge, delegate) as an active participant or guest.
“Wash your hands frequently with soap and water and/or use alcohol-based wipes for hand disinfection! Wash your hands before, during and after food preparation! Be sure to wash your hands before eating! Wash your hands before and after using the toilet! When coughing or sneezing, try to protect your mouth with a handkerchief and always wash your hands! Avoid handshakes and contact (only when necessary), and wash your hands immediately with water and soap or alcohol-based disinfecting wipes! At airports and all other means of transportation, be sure to avoid touching objects and things,” the HOO warns athletes.
The HOO’s health commission suggests drinking bottled water, by no means tap, and thoroughly washing raw food, fruits and vegetables using clean and tested water. They recommend avoiding under-cooked foods, especially meat, and eating freshly cooked foods that are well-cooked or baked. They also advise you to avoid eating in unverified and suspicious-looking restaurants without prominently featured HASAP certificates, not to eat ice cream, sweets or use ice in drinks, and usw different boards and knives to cut food. Washing hands thoroughly after handling raw and cooked foods is a must.
To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.
