Article Text
Abstract
Background Following conversations with the International Chief Medical Officer Group for Sport, the World Health Organisation Mass Gatherings team, and host public health teams, a risk assessment and managed risk approach was piloted for professional golf at the Gran Canaria Lopesan Open 17th to 25th April 2021.
Objective The aim of this study was to assess if a risk-assessed approach to contact tracing was practical to undertake at a major sporting event while also enabling a safe environment for those participating.
Design Prospective cohort study
Setting Professional golf event.
Patients (or Participants) Attendees of event.
Interventions (or Assessment of Risk Factors) All participants required a minimum of one negative RT-PCR test prior to travelling to each tournament. High risk contacts were isolated for 10 days. Moderate risk contacts received education regarding enhanced medical surveillance, had daily rapid antigen testing for 5 days, with RT-PCR day 5, mandated mask use, and access to outside space for work purposes only. Low risk contacts received rapid antigen testing every 48 hours and PCR testing on day 5.
Main Outcome Measurements RT-PCR positive test.
Results A total of 550 persons were accredited and were required to undergo RT-PCR testing before the event. Two of these tests were positive (0.36%). Of these, Case 1 had one high, 23 moderate, and 48 low risk contacts. Case 2 did not have any significant travel history within 2 days of positive test, and had one high risk contact. There were no further positive tests on site in the wider cohort of attendees, from a total of 872 RT-PCR and 198 rapid antigen tests.
Conclusions This pilot study showed it is practical, feasible, and well accepted to provide enhanced (daily) virus testing and risk-mitigating measures at a professional golf event.