All eight teams will stay in separate hotels, two mandatory negative COVID-19 tests before squads depart for the UAE and punishment for any violation of the bio-secure protocol are part of the BCCI’s SOP for the IPL that was handed over to the franchises on Wednesday (August 5).
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The document, in possession of PTI, states that every franchisee’s medical team ought to obtain the “medical and travel history of all players and support staff” since March 1 this year.
”All Indian players and team support staff must undergo two COVID-19 PCR tests, 24 hours apart, in the week before assembling in the franchises’ city of choice,” it states. "This will help reduce the risk of cross infection within the group before flying to the UAE.
"Breach of any Bio-Secure Environment protocols by players and team support staff will be punishable under the IPL Code of Conduct Rules.”
As per the SOP, anyone testing positive for COVID-19 will need to undergo the mandatory two-week quarantine period. Subsequently, two tests of the person will be carried out at 24-hour intervals.
”…if both test reports are negative, he/she may be allowed to fly out to the UAE.”
The rule will apply to all the overseas players and team support staff as well.
”After arrival in UAE, there will be tests on Day 1, 3 and 6 with testing every fifth day throughout the tournament.”
The SOP states that all ”franchise teams will be put up in different hotels.”
”Team members must be allotted rooms in a separate wing of the hotel that has a separate centralised air conditioning (AC) unit than the rest of the hotel,” it adds. ”After the third negative test, team members may be allowed to meet each other within the Bio-Secure Environment. However, wearing a face mask and social Distancing protocols must be followed at all times.”
Among the SOP, teams will have to order food in individual rooms and avoid the use of common dining areas “to prevent cross infection and coming in contact with other hotel guests.”
(With PTI inputs)
