COVID-19 Situation: Benin, Burundi, Mexico, Moldovia and Ukraine
LAUSANNE, September 27, 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
BENIN: Sport at a standstill again
By Felix Sohounde Peperipe - Vice President, Union des Journalistes et Reporters Sportifs du Benin
In Benin, the pandemic has been in full swing in the past few weeks. During September, four journalists died – no sports journalists among them.
Due to the resurgence of the pandemic, the Council of Ministers met on Wednesday, September 1 to impose several measures including the suspension of sports events throughout the national territory. “Suspension of cultural, festive, sporting and religious events and manifestations,” the Council’s statement read.
However, the Beninese government authorises international competitions while respecting the protective measures. International competitions can take place behind closed doors and with a health pass for the athletes and their staff.
BURUNDI: No capacity limits for journalists and spectators
By Association des Journalistes de Sports du Burundi (AJSB)
How many spectators are allowed in sport events and what are the requirements for entry?
In Burundi anyone who wants to attend a match is allowed to access the competition venue.
How many journalists are allowed to attend sport events?
All journalists can attend the sport events. There is no any restriction.
Generally what are the requirements to enter or leave your country amid the pandemic?
To enter the country, visitors must do a covid-19 test.
What is the vaccination rate in your country?
No idea about that. Even the Government has disclaimed responsibility for the covid vaccines but has not banned its citizens from getting vaccinated.
What are the Covid protocols that are currently in effect in your country?
Wearing masks, hands washing, use of sanitizer.
AMERICAS
MEXICO: Restrictions depend on COVID traffic light
By: Evencio Flores Gutiérrez, President of the Mexican Federation of Sports Journalists.
After conducting an analysis with each of the presidents of the regional Associations, the president of the Mexican Federation of Sports Journalists, Evencio Flores Gutiérrez reports on how the Covid-19 pandemic is currently being experienced in Mexico.
What sporting events are currently taking place in your country or are you expected to take place in the remainder of the year? Please include those that even take place behind closed doors.
In our country, professional events are held with a reduced capacity, ranging from 30 to 70 percent according to the epidemiological traffic light established by the body that hosts the sports activity. The traffic lights in Mexico today are: Red: maximum risk of contagion; Orange: high risk of contagion; Yellow: medium risk of contagion; Green: low risk of contagion. There is activity in Football with the Men's and Women's MX League, the Promotion League, the Premier League, the TDP League, as well as semi-professional leagues such as the National MX League and regional ones such as the PRO League.
In basketball there is activity with the National Professional Basketball League; the Mexican Baseball League is about to end and in a few days the Mexican Pacific League will begin.
In the state of Durango we will have the U-18 Women's Volleyball World Cup; in Sonora, the U-23 Baseball World Cup; in November, the capital of the country, Mexico City, will host a Formula 1 race; likewise, Guadalajara will host the WTA Finals, a tournament that will feature the eight best tennis players on the WTA Tennis Circuit.
It should be noted that in the sports entities, amateur sport has 80 percent activity, highlighting those such as Aguascalientes, Baja California, Michoacán, among others where the activity has practically returned to normal, with the health conditions that the pandemic demands.
How many spectators are allowed at sporting events and what are the requirements to enter the stages?
The number of spectators allowed in a professional sporting events is governed according to the epidemiological traffic light established by the sports entities, that is, if the traffic light is Orange in Nuevo León (high risk of contagion), the allowed capacity will be 30 percent, however, if the sporting event is in Colima which is in Red (maximum risk of contagion), there will be no access to the public.
The measures that are being taken in sports scenarios are: temperature measurement, antibacterial gel and wearing the mask.
How many journalists are allowed to attend sporting events?
Practically in all scenarios access to journalists is allowed. In some events it is necessary to present a PCR test result to gain entry and they are asked to be only in places allowed for the press.
In general, what are the requirements for entering or leaving your country in the midst of the pandemic?
For colleagues in the sports press, a PCR test is required both to enter and leave the country, some countries are requesting the complete vaccination schedule from people who visit them, in Mexico this is not the case.
What is the vaccination rate in your country?
The vaccination rate in Mexico, as of September 16, 2021, according to the Federal Secretary of Health is as follows: 93,588,719 doses have been administered; 61,407,799 people have the vaccine; of which 40,532,869 have full doses, which means 31.72% of the population in Mexico.
What are the Covid protocols that are currently in force in your country?
Healthy distance, mandatory use of face masks in public places, use of antibacterial gel, free PCR tests in public health medical institutions, self-care policy at home, and the Federal Government campaign #StayAtHome
EUROPE
MOLDOVA: COVID spike but sports event not suspended
By Natalia Donets - Asociatia Presei Sportive din Republica Moldova
The number of cases is on the rise. The daily average has spiked with over 1000 cases being registered throughout the last week.
Sport competitions and other major events have not been suspended, however, the Government has introduced a requirement that all major events - from football matches to cinema screenings - can only be attended by vaccinated individuals. Thus far this requirement only concerns spectators. The measure has severely affected football match attendance.
UKRAINE:
By Oleksandr Hlyvynskyy - President, Ukrainian Sports Press Association (USPA)
How many spectators are allowed in sports events and what are the requirements for entry?
Until September 23, Ukraine was in the green zone, which meant that there were no restrictions on the admission of spectators. However, after consultations with the Ministry of Health, the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF) decided to sell 70 percent of the seats of the National Sports Complex Olympiysky in Kyiv for the European Qualifiers match Ukraine - France, which took place on September 4. The match was attended by 40 thousand spectators (out of a possible 70 thousand).
However, after the country returned to the yellow zone, the restrictions applied again. For example, FC Shakhtar Donetsk is selling 50 percent of tickets for its next Champions League match against Internazionale, which will take place on Tuesday at the NSC Olimpiysky.
In previous matches, spectators were allowed to sit next to each other without keeping a distance of 1.5 meters
How many journalists are allowed to attend sports events?
During the green zone, there were no restrictions on the number of journalists. At the same time, the mixed zone was not returned to the competition. At the moment, UEFA allows national football associations to decide on the restriction of media in the media tribune in accordance with the restrictions or lack thereof that exist in each country. But when Ukraine returned to the yellow zone, limits returned as well - 1,5 meters between 2 people or one person per 4 square meters.
Generally, what are the requirements to enter or leave your country amid the pandemic?
General rules - have a vaccination, which is specified in the vaccination certificate or have a valid PCR test done no later than 72 hours before entering/departing the country
What is the vaccination rate in your country?
According to the Kyiv School of Economics, 20% of Ukrainian adults, or one in five adults, received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and one in three adults in Kyiv. The 5th stage of the vaccination campaign against COVID-19 is underway in Ukraine, where all willing Ukrainians over the age of 18 can be vaccinated.
Since the end of February, more than 5.3 million people in Ukraine have received a full course of vaccination against coronavirus COVID-19.
What are the Covid protocols that are currently in effect in your country?
At the moment it is mandatory to wear a protective mask indoors, but you can decide not to wear a mask outside.
But since the whole of Ukraine has been in the yellow zone since September 23, new restrictions have been introduced: mass events should take place if there are at least 4 square meters per person, it is allowed no more than 4 people at the table in restaurants and the distance between the tables - at least 1.5 meters; cinemas must operate less than two-thirds of seats, or not more than 50% of seats in each individual hall of the cinema; gyms can work only if the number of visitors is limited at the rate of one person per 10 square meters.
But all yellow zone restrictions will not work if all visitors and at least 80% of staff have at least one vaccination. Also, the restrictions do not work if visitors and employees have a valid (72 hours) PCR test or rapid test.
That is, if a person has at least one vaccination, he can visit cafes, restaurants, cinemas without restrictions.
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
BENIN: Sport at a standstill again
By Felix Sohounde Peperipe - Vice President, Union des Journalistes et Reporters Sportifs du Benin
In Benin, the pandemic has been in full swing in the past few weeks. During September, four journalists died – no sports journalists among them.
Due to the resurgence of the pandemic, the Council of Ministers met on Wednesday, September 1 to impose several measures including the suspension of sports events throughout the national territory. “Suspension of cultural, festive, sporting and religious events and manifestations,” the Council’s statement read.
However, the Beninese government authorises international competitions while respecting the protective measures. International competitions can take place behind closed doors and with a health pass for the athletes and their staff.
BURUNDI: No capacity limits for journalists and spectators
By Association des Journalistes de Sports du Burundi (AJSB)
How many spectators are allowed in sport events and what are the requirements for entry?
In Burundi anyone who wants to attend a match is allowed to access the competition venue.
How many journalists are allowed to attend sport events?
All journalists can attend the sport events. There is no any restriction.
Generally what are the requirements to enter or leave your country amid the pandemic?
To enter the country, visitors must do a covid-19 test.
What is the vaccination rate in your country?
No idea about that. Even the Government has disclaimed responsibility for the covid vaccines but has not banned its citizens from getting vaccinated.
What are the Covid protocols that are currently in effect in your country?
Wearing masks, hands washing, use of sanitizer.
AMERICAS
MEXICO: Restrictions depend on COVID traffic light
By: Evencio Flores Gutiérrez, President of the Mexican Federation of Sports Journalists.
After conducting an analysis with each of the presidents of the regional Associations, the president of the Mexican Federation of Sports Journalists, Evencio Flores Gutiérrez reports on how the Covid-19 pandemic is currently being experienced in Mexico.
What sporting events are currently taking place in your country or are you expected to take place in the remainder of the year? Please include those that even take place behind closed doors.
In our country, professional events are held with a reduced capacity, ranging from 30 to 70 percent according to the epidemiological traffic light established by the body that hosts the sports activity. The traffic lights in Mexico today are: Red: maximum risk of contagion; Orange: high risk of contagion; Yellow: medium risk of contagion; Green: low risk of contagion. There is activity in Football with the Men's and Women's MX League, the Promotion League, the Premier League, the TDP League, as well as semi-professional leagues such as the National MX League and regional ones such as the PRO League.
In basketball there is activity with the National Professional Basketball League; the Mexican Baseball League is about to end and in a few days the Mexican Pacific League will begin.
In the state of Durango we will have the U-18 Women's Volleyball World Cup; in Sonora, the U-23 Baseball World Cup; in November, the capital of the country, Mexico City, will host a Formula 1 race; likewise, Guadalajara will host the WTA Finals, a tournament that will feature the eight best tennis players on the WTA Tennis Circuit.
It should be noted that in the sports entities, amateur sport has 80 percent activity, highlighting those such as Aguascalientes, Baja California, Michoacán, among others where the activity has practically returned to normal, with the health conditions that the pandemic demands.
How many spectators are allowed at sporting events and what are the requirements to enter the stages?
The number of spectators allowed in a professional sporting events is governed according to the epidemiological traffic light established by the sports entities, that is, if the traffic light is Orange in Nuevo León (high risk of contagion), the allowed capacity will be 30 percent, however, if the sporting event is in Colima which is in Red (maximum risk of contagion), there will be no access to the public.
The measures that are being taken in sports scenarios are: temperature measurement, antibacterial gel and wearing the mask.
How many journalists are allowed to attend sporting events?
Practically in all scenarios access to journalists is allowed. In some events it is necessary to present a PCR test result to gain entry and they are asked to be only in places allowed for the press.
In general, what are the requirements for entering or leaving your country in the midst of the pandemic?
For colleagues in the sports press, a PCR test is required both to enter and leave the country, some countries are requesting the complete vaccination schedule from people who visit them, in Mexico this is not the case.
What is the vaccination rate in your country?
The vaccination rate in Mexico, as of September 16, 2021, according to the Federal Secretary of Health is as follows: 93,588,719 doses have been administered; 61,407,799 people have the vaccine; of which 40,532,869 have full doses, which means 31.72% of the population in Mexico.
What are the Covid protocols that are currently in force in your country?
Healthy distance, mandatory use of face masks in public places, use of antibacterial gel, free PCR tests in public health medical institutions, self-care policy at home, and the Federal Government campaign #StayAtHome
EUROPE
MOLDOVA: COVID spike but sports event not suspended
By Natalia Donets - Asociatia Presei Sportive din Republica Moldova
The number of cases is on the rise. The daily average has spiked with over 1000 cases being registered throughout the last week.
Sport competitions and other major events have not been suspended, however, the Government has introduced a requirement that all major events - from football matches to cinema screenings - can only be attended by vaccinated individuals. Thus far this requirement only concerns spectators. The measure has severely affected football match attendance.
UKRAINE:
By Oleksandr Hlyvynskyy - President, Ukrainian Sports Press Association (USPA)
How many spectators are allowed in sports events and what are the requirements for entry?
Until September 23, Ukraine was in the green zone, which meant that there were no restrictions on the admission of spectators. However, after consultations with the Ministry of Health, the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF) decided to sell 70 percent of the seats of the National Sports Complex Olympiysky in Kyiv for the European Qualifiers match Ukraine - France, which took place on September 4. The match was attended by 40 thousand spectators (out of a possible 70 thousand).
However, after the country returned to the yellow zone, the restrictions applied again. For example, FC Shakhtar Donetsk is selling 50 percent of tickets for its next Champions League match against Internazionale, which will take place on Tuesday at the NSC Olimpiysky.
In previous matches, spectators were allowed to sit next to each other without keeping a distance of 1.5 meters
How many journalists are allowed to attend sports events?
During the green zone, there were no restrictions on the number of journalists. At the same time, the mixed zone was not returned to the competition. At the moment, UEFA allows national football associations to decide on the restriction of media in the media tribune in accordance with the restrictions or lack thereof that exist in each country. But when Ukraine returned to the yellow zone, limits returned as well - 1,5 meters between 2 people or one person per 4 square meters.
Generally, what are the requirements to enter or leave your country amid the pandemic?
General rules - have a vaccination, which is specified in the vaccination certificate or have a valid PCR test done no later than 72 hours before entering/departing the country
What is the vaccination rate in your country?
According to the Kyiv School of Economics, 20% of Ukrainian adults, or one in five adults, received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and one in three adults in Kyiv. The 5th stage of the vaccination campaign against COVID-19 is underway in Ukraine, where all willing Ukrainians over the age of 18 can be vaccinated.
Since the end of February, more than 5.3 million people in Ukraine have received a full course of vaccination against coronavirus COVID-19.
What are the Covid protocols that are currently in effect in your country?
At the moment it is mandatory to wear a protective mask indoors, but you can decide not to wear a mask outside.
But since the whole of Ukraine has been in the yellow zone since September 23, new restrictions have been introduced: mass events should take place if there are at least 4 square meters per person, it is allowed no more than 4 people at the table in restaurants and the distance between the tables - at least 1.5 meters; cinemas must operate less than two-thirds of seats, or not more than 50% of seats in each individual hall of the cinema; gyms can work only if the number of visitors is limited at the rate of one person per 10 square meters.
But all yellow zone restrictions will not work if all visitors and at least 80% of staff have at least one vaccination. Also, the restrictions do not work if visitors and employees have a valid (72 hours) PCR test or rapid test.
That is, if a person has at least one vaccination, he can visit cafes, restaurants, cinemas without restrictions.
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