Coronavirus (Covid-19) advisory

31 January 2020

Following yesterday’s declaration by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that the new coronavirus outbreak is a “public health emergency of international concern”, the FEI is advising all National Federations, event organisers, other stakeholders and FEI staff to keep themselves informed on the coronavirus and follow advice issued by the WHO.

While the outbreak started in Wuhan in China, it has now spread to a number of other countries, resulting in travel restrictions in some areas and the cancellation of major events in China, including some sports fixtures. Both Asia Horse Week and the Longines Masters in Hong Kong have been cancelled. The decision to cancel the two Hong Kong events was taken by the organisers as a precautionary measure in line with guidance from the Government of the Hong Kong SAR.

The FEI is following the matter closely and is in contact with the IOC, which is collaborating directly with the WHO and IOC Medical and Scientific Commission Games Group public health experts, as well as the relevant sport and government authorities. The development of this outbreak and advised countermeasures are being carefully monitored. 

Recommendations include:

• Avoiding non-essential travel to China;
• Avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections;
• Frequent hand washing and general personal hygiene measures, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment.

Please refer to the WHO website for the most up to date information on the outbreak and advice to the public: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019; https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public and https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance