SEA Games spectators not required to take COVID tests

SEA Games mascots in Hà Nội. — VNA/VnExpress News Photo

HÀ NỘI — Spectators watching competitions at the 31st Southeast Asian Games will not be required to take COVID-19 tests before entering stadiums, according to Ministry of Health guidelines.

Guests at the event at the deputy ministerial level and above and heads and deputy heads of sports delegations do not need to show negative COVID-19 test results when entering Việt Nam or take tests on arrival. They also will not need to undergo quarantine on arrival.

Meanwhile, sports officials, referees, and athletes must have certified negative RT-PCR/RT-LAMP test results taken within 72 hours or rapid antigen testing within 24 hours before entering Việt Nam but are not required to quarantine.

Coaches and athletes will need to take COVID-19 rapid tests 24 hours before each competition.

The guidelines also list COVID-19 control measures to be implemented at accommodation facilities for guests and athletes, setting up testing areas and teams providing medical and food safety services.

Quarantine and treatment rooms will also be arranged for COVID-19 patients with no or mild symptoms.

Athletes will travel in closed routes between their accommodation, training and competition venues.

The stadium hosting the opening and closing ceremonies will be disinfected before the events, while medical teams on standby to give emergency aid and COVID-19 tests to those suspected of being infected.

The Games will take place with either no spectators or a limited or unlimited number of spectators depending on the COVID-19 situation in each locality.

If a COVID-19 patient is detected, the patient must quarantine at their accommodation or receive treatment at medical centres depending on their health condition.

The 31st SEA Games will run in Hà Nội and 11 neighbouring localities in the northern region from May 12-23.

It will feature 40 sports with 526 events, attracting around 10,000 participants. — VnExpress News