Coronavirus: AFI tells athletes to refrain from attending private or public functions

The Athletics Federation of India on Thursday asked its athletes to refrain from attending public or private functions and strictly follow the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines on the rising coronavirus threat.

The number of global Covid-19 cases have reached more than 88000 across 66 countries, with over 3,000 deaths since it originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan.

In a meeting, the AFI's committee also decided to carry out its own mandatory medical check-up for any athlete, coach or support staff joining the camp after a break.

"In light of the outbreak of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) and an increasing number of cases of infections around the country, a meeting of the top officials from Athletics Federation India under the chairmanship of President Adille J Sumariwalla was held at AFI office today," the federation said in a statement.

The meeting was also attended by Lalit K Bhanot, chairman AFI planning committee, AFI treasurer Pradeep K Srivastava and Sandeep Mehta, secretary of Delhi Athletics Association.

The committee issued the following advisory for the chief coach, deputy chief coach, national campers, coaches and support staff deputed at various camps in India:
The AFI also asked the athletes to follow the WHO Health Advisory:
*Avoid close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections