Post-COVID journalism
COVID-19 Situation: Greece, Hungary, Iran, South Korea and Tanzania


LAUSANNE, September 17, 2021 – AIPS has recently been collecting reports on the latest COVID-19 situation across various countries, especially as it affects sport and media.
Thanks to the National Associations, AIPS is able to make the information available to its vast network of sports media professionals across the world.
Below are the next set of reports.
AFRICA
TANZANIA - Small number of journalists allowed
By Amir Mhando - General Secretary of Tanzania Sports Press Association
What is the vaccination rate in your country?
In Tanzania people are being encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccine and there has been a lot of positive responses. The President of the country, Samia Suluhu Hassan recently advised athletes to get the jab as they are at risk of getting the virus due to their interactions with many people, especially from other countries. “Covid-19 vaccine is important to athletes; I strongly recommend all athletes who have not been vaccinated to be vaccinated.” President Suluhu said this as she received the CECAFA Challenge Cup 2021 trophy from the Under-23 squad in a ceremony held at the State House in Dar es Salaam. During that occasion, she met with the Under-23 national team as they proudly represented the country well and urged other teams to take a cue from the Under-23s.
A report released last week by the Ministry of Health stated that almost 400,000 Tanzanians have been vaccinated since the government began vaccinating its citizens in July this year.
How many spectators are allowed in sports events and what are the requirements for entry?
The most recent CAF-sanctioned football matches played in the country were held without fans due to CAF (Confederation of African Football) regulations. The games are the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, the African Champions League (CCL) and the Confederations Cup (CCC).
How many journalists are allowed to attend sports events?
Only a small number of journalists and photographers allowed to cover these games that are under CAF. One must provide a negative COVID-19 test result to get access to the stadium. However for the local games for the Premier League pre-season, fans are allowed to enter the stadiums but they must wear masks. Sports journalists also protect themselves by wearing masks and respecting other required measures.
ASIA
IRAN - 30-50 percent of the media tribune capacity for journalists
By Seyed Abdolhamid Ahmadi - AIPS EC Member
How many spectators are allowed in sports events and what are the requirements for entry?
No spectators are allowed into the stadium and competition halls for any sporting activities. The league matches including football, volleyball, handball, basketball and other individual sports are being held without spectators.
How many journalists are allowed to attend sports events?
The number of journalists and photographers allowed to cover the sports events are 30-50 percent of the media tribune capacity.
Generally what are the requirements to enter or leave your country amid the pandemic?
To travel abroad, passengers must provide a valid Covid-19 test certificate. And to enter the country also it is necessary to provide test certificate.
What is the vaccination rate in your country?
Latest vaccination rate for adult population in Iran is: 15 % have completed both doses while 30 % have received at least one dose of vaccine.
What are the Covid protocols that are currently in effect in your country?
According to the instructions of the National Corona Headquarters and according to the conditions of the outbreak of Covid-19, the following restrictions apply.
-Limit the presence of employees in government offices up to 30 - 50%
-Holding school students' classes online
-Restrict students' attendance at universities and hold classes virtually
-Restriction of vehicle traffic on trips between provinces.
SOUTH KOREA - No limit for journalists
By Hee Don Jung - AIPS EC Member
How many spectators are allowed in sports events and what are the requirements for entry?
Spectators are allowed to occupy 30% of venue capacity (except in Seoul, the capital city, where currently no spectators are allowed).
How many journalists are allowed to attend sports events?
No limits for journalists. All media seats have been converted to meet anti-virus conditions with 1 meter distance between seats and plastic screen installed on the desk.
Generally what are the requirements to enter or leave your country amid the pandemic?
Vaccinated people are free to travel abroad and do not have to be in quarantine, while non-vaccinated people must be quarantined for 2 weeks when they return. Foreigners who have been vaccinated with any of the five vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, Astrazeneca, Janssen, Sinopharm) confirmed by WHO do not need quarantine but people from some countries with severe Covid-19 conditions must be in quarantine for 2 weeks.
What is the vaccination rate in your country?
First dose (68%); Second dose (43 %)
What are the Covid protocols that are currently in effect in your country?
Government is applying various restrictions depending on Covid-19 situations. Currently, the restaurant opens until 10 PM and dinner allowed for maximum 8 people. Wearing mask is mandatory in the public transportation and area. Up to 500 people are allowed for official event and concert. 1500~2000 positive cases confirmed everyday, but death late is low (0.8%).
EUROPE
HUNGARY - Life is back to normal
By Zsuzsa Csisztu - AIPS EC Member
What is the vaccination rate in your country?
Life is back to normal in Hungary, thanks to the very successful vaccination plan in the country. Hungary was the very first country in Europe to import vaccines from all available sources, therefore the vaccination started with a wide-range of vaccines available for the nation.
In comparison to the population of 9.6 million people in Hungary, as of September 12, 2021, 60.6 percent of Hungary's population was vaccinated against the coronavirus (COVID-19). Vaccination is not compulsory within Hungary, however it is strongly recommended.
How many spectators are allowed in sports events and what are the requirements for entry?
Hungary was the first country to declare that its capital, Budapest, as one of the host cities of EURO 2020, would open its official venue, the Puskás Arena to the public, allowing the maximum number of spectators - 67,000. All that was required was their mandatory immunity wristband to certify that they are either vaccinated, or have recovered from the coronavirus infection within six months, or have a negative Covid PCR test not older then 48 hours.
The four EURO 2020 matches hosted in Budapest, at the Puskas Arena, were the only ones full of spectators. And even the official EURO 2020 Fan Zone situated in the City Park, which was visited by over 260,000 fans over the one month long event, turned out to be a huge success as acknowledged by the leadership of the UEFA as well.
All sporting and cultural events can be visited and entered without any restrictions on the number of spectators. Adults have to present their certificate of protection while children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult who has a certificate of protection.
Generally what are the requirements to enter or leave your country amid the pandemic?
For foreigners who wish to enter Hungary for sporting or cultural events, they may enter the country only if they possess a negative PCR test result obtained within 3 days prior to entry, if they present the ticket to the event and agree to a medical examination, if necessary.
How many journalists are allowed to attend sports events?
There are no restrictions in the number of journalists who can work at any sporting event. They just need to present their certificate of protection.
What are the Covid protocols that are currently in effect in your country?
As of September 2021, there is no mandatory mask wearing in public places, however, employees of healthcare and social institutes are ordered to wear a mask.
In schools, it is strongly advised for pupils to wear masks in the social areas, in some school.
GREECE - One journalist per media outlet
By Ioannis Daras - AIPS EC Member
How many spectators are allowed in sports events and what are the requirements for entry?
In all sports facilities, spectators are allowed to occupy 80% of the stadium of football ground's capacity. All the spectators must be vaccinated or have valid certificate of Covid-19 or PCR test (13-17 years old) and rapid test (5-12 years old).
How many journalists are allowed to attend sports events?
There is no limit for journalists, the instruction is to permit one journalist per media or two for radio. The mixed zone and press conference does not work. For the number of photographers it is usually 30 in big events.
Generally what are the requirements to enter or leave your country amid the pandemic?
All the travellers should be vaccinated or have valid certificate of Covid-19 within 6 months period or PCR test valid 72 hours before or Rapid test 48 hours before or Self test 24 hours before (only for 5-12 years old kids).
What is the vaccination rate in your country?
The vaccination rate is 63%
What are the Covid protocols that are currently in effect in your country?
There are many restrictions. No entrance in covered bars and restaurants for non-vaccinated people or those who do not have PCR test 72 or Rapid test 48 hours before. Obligation of wearing mask inside offices, shops, etc. No congresses or meetings of over 10 people. In some areas, special restrictions like closing the bars and restaurants after midnight till 06.00. School staff and hospital staff cannot work without certiticate of vaccination.
Thanks to the National Associations, AIPS is able to make the information available to its vast network of sports media professionals across the world.
Below are the next set of reports.
AFRICA
TANZANIA - Small number of journalists allowed
By Amir Mhando - General Secretary of Tanzania Sports Press Association
What is the vaccination rate in your country?
In Tanzania people are being encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccine and there has been a lot of positive responses. The President of the country, Samia Suluhu Hassan recently advised athletes to get the jab as they are at risk of getting the virus due to their interactions with many people, especially from other countries. “Covid-19 vaccine is important to athletes; I strongly recommend all athletes who have not been vaccinated to be vaccinated.” President Suluhu said this as she received the CECAFA Challenge Cup 2021 trophy from the Under-23 squad in a ceremony held at the State House in Dar es Salaam. During that occasion, she met with the Under-23 national team as they proudly represented the country well and urged other teams to take a cue from the Under-23s.
A report released last week by the Ministry of Health stated that almost 400,000 Tanzanians have been vaccinated since the government began vaccinating its citizens in July this year.
How many spectators are allowed in sports events and what are the requirements for entry?
The most recent CAF-sanctioned football matches played in the country were held without fans due to CAF (Confederation of African Football) regulations. The games are the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, the African Champions League (CCL) and the Confederations Cup (CCC).
How many journalists are allowed to attend sports events?
Only a small number of journalists and photographers allowed to cover these games that are under CAF. One must provide a negative COVID-19 test result to get access to the stadium. However for the local games for the Premier League pre-season, fans are allowed to enter the stadiums but they must wear masks. Sports journalists also protect themselves by wearing masks and respecting other required measures.
ASIA
IRAN - 30-50 percent of the media tribune capacity for journalists
By Seyed Abdolhamid Ahmadi - AIPS EC Member
How many spectators are allowed in sports events and what are the requirements for entry?
No spectators are allowed into the stadium and competition halls for any sporting activities. The league matches including football, volleyball, handball, basketball and other individual sports are being held without spectators.
How many journalists are allowed to attend sports events?
The number of journalists and photographers allowed to cover the sports events are 30-50 percent of the media tribune capacity.
Generally what are the requirements to enter or leave your country amid the pandemic?
To travel abroad, passengers must provide a valid Covid-19 test certificate. And to enter the country also it is necessary to provide test certificate.
What is the vaccination rate in your country?
Latest vaccination rate for adult population in Iran is: 15 % have completed both doses while 30 % have received at least one dose of vaccine.
What are the Covid protocols that are currently in effect in your country?
According to the instructions of the National Corona Headquarters and according to the conditions of the outbreak of Covid-19, the following restrictions apply.
-Limit the presence of employees in government offices up to 30 - 50%
-Holding school students' classes online
-Restrict students' attendance at universities and hold classes virtually
-Restriction of vehicle traffic on trips between provinces.
SOUTH KOREA - No limit for journalists
By Hee Don Jung - AIPS EC Member
How many spectators are allowed in sports events and what are the requirements for entry?
Spectators are allowed to occupy 30% of venue capacity (except in Seoul, the capital city, where currently no spectators are allowed).
How many journalists are allowed to attend sports events?
No limits for journalists. All media seats have been converted to meet anti-virus conditions with 1 meter distance between seats and plastic screen installed on the desk.
Generally what are the requirements to enter or leave your country amid the pandemic?
Vaccinated people are free to travel abroad and do not have to be in quarantine, while non-vaccinated people must be quarantined for 2 weeks when they return. Foreigners who have been vaccinated with any of the five vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, Astrazeneca, Janssen, Sinopharm) confirmed by WHO do not need quarantine but people from some countries with severe Covid-19 conditions must be in quarantine for 2 weeks.
What is the vaccination rate in your country?
First dose (68%); Second dose (43 %)
What are the Covid protocols that are currently in effect in your country?
Government is applying various restrictions depending on Covid-19 situations. Currently, the restaurant opens until 10 PM and dinner allowed for maximum 8 people. Wearing mask is mandatory in the public transportation and area. Up to 500 people are allowed for official event and concert. 1500~2000 positive cases confirmed everyday, but death late is low (0.8%).
EUROPE
HUNGARY - Life is back to normal
By Zsuzsa Csisztu - AIPS EC Member
What is the vaccination rate in your country?
Life is back to normal in Hungary, thanks to the very successful vaccination plan in the country. Hungary was the very first country in Europe to import vaccines from all available sources, therefore the vaccination started with a wide-range of vaccines available for the nation.
In comparison to the population of 9.6 million people in Hungary, as of September 12, 2021, 60.6 percent of Hungary's population was vaccinated against the coronavirus (COVID-19). Vaccination is not compulsory within Hungary, however it is strongly recommended.
How many spectators are allowed in sports events and what are the requirements for entry?
Hungary was the first country to declare that its capital, Budapest, as one of the host cities of EURO 2020, would open its official venue, the Puskás Arena to the public, allowing the maximum number of spectators - 67,000. All that was required was their mandatory immunity wristband to certify that they are either vaccinated, or have recovered from the coronavirus infection within six months, or have a negative Covid PCR test not older then 48 hours.
The four EURO 2020 matches hosted in Budapest, at the Puskas Arena, were the only ones full of spectators. And even the official EURO 2020 Fan Zone situated in the City Park, which was visited by over 260,000 fans over the one month long event, turned out to be a huge success as acknowledged by the leadership of the UEFA as well.
All sporting and cultural events can be visited and entered without any restrictions on the number of spectators. Adults have to present their certificate of protection while children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult who has a certificate of protection.
Generally what are the requirements to enter or leave your country amid the pandemic?
For foreigners who wish to enter Hungary for sporting or cultural events, they may enter the country only if they possess a negative PCR test result obtained within 3 days prior to entry, if they present the ticket to the event and agree to a medical examination, if necessary.
How many journalists are allowed to attend sports events?
There are no restrictions in the number of journalists who can work at any sporting event. They just need to present their certificate of protection.
What are the Covid protocols that are currently in effect in your country?
As of September 2021, there is no mandatory mask wearing in public places, however, employees of healthcare and social institutes are ordered to wear a mask.
In schools, it is strongly advised for pupils to wear masks in the social areas, in some school.
GREECE - One journalist per media outlet
By Ioannis Daras - AIPS EC Member
How many spectators are allowed in sports events and what are the requirements for entry?
In all sports facilities, spectators are allowed to occupy 80% of the stadium of football ground's capacity. All the spectators must be vaccinated or have valid certificate of Covid-19 or PCR test (13-17 years old) and rapid test (5-12 years old).
How many journalists are allowed to attend sports events?
There is no limit for journalists, the instruction is to permit one journalist per media or two for radio. The mixed zone and press conference does not work. For the number of photographers it is usually 30 in big events.
Generally what are the requirements to enter or leave your country amid the pandemic?
All the travellers should be vaccinated or have valid certificate of Covid-19 within 6 months period or PCR test valid 72 hours before or Rapid test 48 hours before or Self test 24 hours before (only for 5-12 years old kids).
What is the vaccination rate in your country?
The vaccination rate is 63%
What are the Covid protocols that are currently in effect in your country?
There are many restrictions. No entrance in covered bars and restaurants for non-vaccinated people or those who do not have PCR test 72 or Rapid test 48 hours before. Obligation of wearing mask inside offices, shops, etc. No congresses or meetings of over 10 people. In some areas, special restrictions like closing the bars and restaurants after midnight till 06.00. School staff and hospital staff cannot work without certiticate of vaccination.
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