Due to coronavirus outbreak in the world and the recent statements of Ukrainian government, Run Ukraine held a consultative meeting regarding holding of Kyiv international half marathon WORK.UA KYIV HALF MARATHON on April 4-5, 2020.
Run Ukraine has set up an operational headquarters that is constantly monitoring the incidence and will respond to the change of the epidemiological situation in Ukraine.
We at Run Ukraine use expert advice and worldwide practice to develop policies and procedures that will help ensure safety of our participants and volunteers.
Below you can find the procedures that have already been approved and will be implemented during the event on April 4-5:
- Restrictions on participation of foreigners. They will not be allowed to participate in the race, including elite athletes. Within the next several days we will contact foreign participants who have already registered.
- All volunteers and the organizing committee will be provided with disposable gloves and masks during the event.
- Time of participants in the starting blocks limited to 15 minutes (as recommended by WHO). Each wave of participants will enter the starting block separately.
- The medals at the finish will be handed to the participants instead of put on the neck.
We are closely monitoring the situation and are in constant close contact with the Ministry of Healthcare of Ukraine.
Please, do not panic and do not spread fake news. The reliable sources of the official information regarding spread of coronavirus in Ukraine and preventive measure are statements of the Ministry of Healthcare of Ukraine, Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and Kyiv City State Administration.
Recommendations to the participants from Pavlo Permiakov, the Medical Director of the event and the Head of the Department of Disaster Medicine of MNPE “Center for Emergency Medicine and Disaster Medicine of the city of Kyiv”:
“To reduce the risk of coronavirus infection, you should wash your hands more often, use hand disinfectants, avoid close contact with infected people, and avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes with unwashed hands. When coughing or sneezing, use a handkerchief or, preferably, a disposable tissue that can be thrown away immediately, then wash your hands”, – says Pavlo Permiakov.
Besides, the doctor recommends to temporarily refrain from visiting countries where the coronavirus has become widespread. First of all, this applies to trips to China, South Korea, Italy, Iran, Japan, France, Germany, Spain and Singapore. You can monitor the worldwide incidence statistics on the WHO website.
At present, the World Health Organization (WHO) has not imposed any restrictions on travel.
You can find safety tips for travelers on the WHO website:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/travel-advice
We also recommend that you review the basic preventive measures for coronavirus:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
