F1 details its measures to deal with Coronavirus

Postponement of the Chinese Grand Prix, Bahrain round behind closed doors, uncertainties over the freedom of movement of Italian personnel and doubts surrounding the Vietnam event. The Coronavirus epidemic has already disrupted the start of the 2020 season quite a bit. 

Until then, the F1 had communicated relatively little on the global health crisis, contenting itself with a few common formulas. But faced with the progression of the virus and the threats it poses to the discipline, Liberty has revealed the measures taken to try to minimize the impact of the disease. 

« The health and safety of Formula 1 fans, their families and loved ones is top priority, said the FOM in a press release which, surprisingly, did not mention the case of Vietnam.

As the Coronavirus outbreak continues to spread, F1 is in constant dialogue with promoters, government bodies and health experts to ensure the health of all.

F1 is taking a scientific approach to the outbreak to help assess the situation and put in place the required measures to minimize risks and protect staff. 

Bahrain thus made the decision to organize its Grand Prix behind closed doors; this is part of the country's overall action to limit the spread of the virus. Bahrain has organized entry screening tests and established specialized medical facilities on site. The country has also increased the number of hydro-alcoholic gel distributors and defined specific medical protocols to manage potential cases of contamination. 

The Chinese Grand Prix, initially scheduled for the weekend of April 17-19, has already been postponed. 

As the situation is fluid, F1 will continue to adopt a scientific approach and will act based on the daily reports sent by the official health authorities, as well as the instructions provided by each of the promoters. 

F1 has also taken the initiative to implement a certain number of measures based on the recommendations of the English public health organization. These include the suspension of all non-essential travel.

Teams of experts will also be deployed at airports, transit points, and on circuits to ensure the health of staff. They will focus on the diagnosis, management, and extraction of suspected cases. Dedicated quarantine areas have been installed by developers to isolate suspected cases ». 

Suffice to say that the 2020 season is starting in a good atmosphere…