The FIVB is aware that a male beach volleyball player from Italy in the qualification tournament of the World Tour 4-star Katara Beach Volleyball Cup 2021 in Doha, Qatar tested positive for COVID-19. The player was already eliminated from the qualification tournament on Monday 8 March but continued his stay at the tournament hotel in preparation for his departure from Qatar.
The positive test result was identified during the PCR test carried out on the evening of 9 March, which serves as the exit test to enable his departure from Qatar. The positive test result was received on 10 March, late in the afternoon, by the Doha event organiser. The player produced a negative result when he underwent his initial PCR test upon arrival at Doha airport on 4 March.
Immediately following the test result, the player concerned was required to self-isolate. Those he was in close contact with were tracked, tested and subsequently quarantined. Any further actions will adhere to the guidelines stipulated by local health authorities.
The FIVB remains in close contact with the event organiser and Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA), and will continue to monitor the situation closely. Rigorous health and safety measures at the event continue to be followed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants.
Note for Information:
The World Tour 4-star Katara Beach Volleyball Cup in Doha, Qatar is scheduled on 8-12 March 2021, and the tournament is being held in a secure bubble. As per event hygiene protocol requirements, all participants are required to produce negative test results 72 hours before their arrival in Doha and a PCR test upon arrival at the Doha airport is mandatory. In addition, further in-competition PCR tests are required for participants.
All participants are required to stay in the event bubble which includes the competition and training venue and hotel, and will be transported by dedicated vehicles between the hotel and venue, or between the hotel and airport.