Efficacy of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) safety protocol at the 2021 Wrestling European Olympic Games Qualifier organized in Budapest

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: The pandemic Covid-19 imposes several difficulties to organize multi-day international sports events. This is - in part - due to the close physical contact among the athletes, known to promote the spread of virus, even in individual sports, such as wrestling. Thus, at the Wrestling Qualifier it was of utmost importance to introduce screening for the disease and exclude infected participants (and then isolate them). The medical team and the COVID Marshals worked together on developing a screening protocol and aimed to test the efficacy during this competition. Material and Methods: The event was attended by 281 competitors from 37 countries. The criteria to enter Hungary were a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, epidemiological and symptomatic negativity within 72 hours. We also performed Antigen rapid tests (ART, chromatographic immunoassay) and retesting if necessary. Upon departure a negative PCR test or a certificate issued after the end of the quarantine period was required. Results: In total, 1,287 PCR tests and 1,250 rapid tests were performed. At arrival, there were 21 PCR positive (1.4%) individuals, and they were quarantined. At the departure 6 PCR tests were positive (0.47%). One of the ARTs performed at the accreditation was positive. Conclusion: The medical staff has developed a successful protocol to screen for Covid-19 and isolate participants as indicated by the very low positivity for Covid-19 at departure. Thus such protocol can be used for organizing multi-day international sports events.