Update on COVID-19 cases at Egypt 2021

19 Jan. 2021

Update on COVID-19 cases at Egypt 2021

The International Handball Federation (IHF) has been informed that today, 19 January 2021, all COVID-19 PCR tests have returned with a negative result.

On the weekend of 16/17 January, several more positive COVID-19 test results have been recorded in addition to the Danish case, which was reported on. On 18 January already, only one additional person, the team doctor of the Swedish delegation, has been tested positive. 

The confirmed cases were immediately isolated according to the Egypt 2021 COVID-19 Medical Precaution Plan.  

We would like to point out that many of the persons who have received positive test results, have already had a positive COVID-19 result prior to the World Championship. Therefore, the tests have been repeated to rule out a reaction to the already existing antibodies.

By now, most of the individuals are either already back with their delegation and can continue their participation in the World Championship or are on their way to their home country. 

All testing procedures are being further optimised to guarantee the safety of everyone involved in the event. This also included an update to the testing regime.

As a consequence, at the end of the preliminary round of the 27th IHF Men’s World Championship, all COVID-19 tests returned negative. This outcome confirms that the main risk for positive COVID-19 cases to occur was upon arrival, when the teams entered the bubble. 

The IHF hopes that for the remainder of the World Championship, the world can witness a COVID-19-free event.