COVID-19: Athlete Q&A - 25 May 2020

Dear Athletes,
As you know, the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has continued to evolve into a health and societal emergency that has called for effective and immediate action by all of us around the world to minimize the likelihood of transmission and the impact on society. The situation clearly goes well beyond anti-doping and sport with most countries having put measures in place that include border closures, quarantine/self-isolation, cancellation of flights, social movement restrictions, etc.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the global anti-doping community are prioritizing public health, safety and social responsibility. The community has banded together to adjust its daily operations by reducing some doping control activities. We acknowledge that these necessary actions may impact upon athlete confidence that competitions, being carried out during or soon after we emerge from this situation, will be as clean as possible.
WADA also acknowledges how difficult this situation has been and may continue to be for you as athletes, as you deal with the measures that are in place around the world that are disrupting your training programs and creating uncertainty as to your future competitions.
The following Q&A, which WADA developed in consultation with its Athlete Committee, is meant to address some specific questions that you as athletes may have regarding anti-doping in light of this rapidly evolving situation. This is the second version of the Q&A which was first published by WADA on 23 March 2020, updated to reflect the changing testing environment and the fact that a growing number of Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) are resuming normal testing. As some countries are gradually deconfining, the following Q&A will continue to be updated to provide the latest information to athletes on how testing programs may evolve by integrating further health precautions to protect both clean sport and the health of athletes and sample collection personnel alike.
WADA has provided extensive guidance to ADOs, to ensure that testing is carried out in a secure manner, while respecting regional public health guidelines. We refer you to the Agency’s ADO Guidance of 20 March 2020 and our updated ADO Guidance for Resuming Testing of 6 May 2020. If you wish to know more about what specific measures your International Sport Federation (IF) or National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) are taking in the face of this unprecedented challenge, please contact them directly, as applicable.
As the situation evolves, please rest assured that WADA and the anti-doping community will continue to meet the challenges with your health, and that of all involved in clean sport, front-of-mind.
Best regards and stay healthy,
World Anti-Doping Agency