The Ocean Race Europe has partnered with Quirónprevención of the Quirónsalud group for the design and implementation of a strict COVID-19 prevention protocol for the first edition of the race, which is scheduled to start from Lorient in France on Saturday 29 May.
A multidisciplinary team of health professionals — who are experts in disease prevention — have designed a plan that aims to reduce the risk of an outbreak during the course of a regatta that will see 12 teams from nine countries racing to four European cities over a three-week period.
“This is a very challenging time to be organising live sport across different countries,” said race director Phil Lawrence. “The safety of our sailors, their support crews and all those working to make this event happen is of primary importance.
“With the support and expertise of Quirónprevención, we have been able to implement a plan that minimises the risk from Covid-19 and allows us to conduct a safer event.”
Fernando Camino, general director of Quirónprevención, added: “This first edition of The Ocean Race Europe can be a template for many other sports competitions that have seen their activity stopped due to the pandemic.
“We must convey the message that by doing things well and complying with a strict protocol of technical and sanitary measures, it is possible to reactivate the celebration of events and all the employment and economic activity behind it.”
The schedule and logistics of the event have been analysed by the professionals at Quirónprevención, who have prepared a series of recommendations and operational guidelines.
In addition, a team of health workers from Quirónprevención will be on site during The Ocean Race Europe in each of the stopover cities, ensuring compliance with a schedule of COVID-19 tests for sailing crew, shore support and organisation staff, with the goal of reducing the risk of transmission and conducting a safe event.
