As the Professional Squash Association (PSA) prepares for the forthcoming PSA World Championships presented by the Walter Family – held from July 14-22 in Chicago – coronavirus safety measures are front and centre of planning. The PSA World Championships is the world’s most prestigious squash title, with squash superstars from around the globe lined up to compete.
Throughout the season, the PSA has prioritised the health and safety of players, spectators and event crew with scrupulous safety measures, including regular antigen testing. Appropriate measures will be taken following any positive result, including amending scheduling and following isolation guidelines.
Having utilised PCR testing throughout previous competitions, the PSA opted for the more practical option of rapid lateral flow tests for the testing during May’s El Gouna International and has chosen to continue with this method for the World Championships. A negative PCR test is required before arrival in Chicago, with a further one required to enter the event bubble, after which a rapid antigen testing will be used every four days as an additional belt-and-braces safety measure.
MEDsan UK’s rapid antigen tests can be taken on site, on the day of competition, with results generated within just 20 minutes – making it a manageable and practical method to test the event bubble. MEDsan’s rapid antigen test is manufactured in Germany, with a clinical sensitivity of 92.5%.
Tim Garner, Event Director of the PSA, said: “Conducting rapid antigen tests worked well for us at previous tournaments and we have decided to continue this approach for the World Championships. It’s the ideal additional safety measure to keep the event bubble secure and safe, which is our main priority.”
In addition to the testing protocol, the PSA is following a range of coronavirus countermeasures, including keeping the event bubble separated and distanced from those outside, both at venues and hotels, for the duration of the competition.
Paul Hillman, CEO of MEDsan UK, said: “Rapid antigen testing is the only means to reduce the risk to the elite sports community’s professionals and the fans who support them. We’re proud to continue our relationship with the PSA after this disruptive time for global sport. The PSA are a leading example of how to run international tournaments as safely as possible.”
For more information, contact communications@medsanuk.co.uk
www.medsanuk.co.uk
