TOKYO Olympics aspirants and their teammates from the national teams of boxing, taekwondo and karate were given a virtual orientation by the Philippine Sports Commission yesterday on safety protocols to be observed for their coming bubble training at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna.
“We called for this meeting to emphasize the safety protocols you will need for this Olympic training bubble. I am confident that we can all adjust to this, but know that your safety is paramount to the PSC,” Commissioner Ramon Fernandez, who led the online briefing with national team chief of mission Nonong Araneta, said.
“I just want to reiterate that your safety is paramount in this bubble training. I wish all of you the best for your qualifiers so that we can bring more glory to Philippine sports,” Araneta said.
Strict protocols crafted by the agency’s Medical Scientific Athletes Services Unit will be observed by the 46 athletes and coaches inside the bubble facility in Calamba, Laguna set to start this Saturday.
“Athletes will undergo a series of RT-PCR testing. Prior to entry, upon entry, and several testing during the bubble training,” said MSAS Unit Head Dr. Randy Molo.
He encouraged everyone to restrict movement 14 days before entry, and restricted interactions seven days prior to their entry in the bubble facility, “from today, everyone must reconsider all the places and people they will be interacting with.”
Bubble participants will be subjected to another round of RT-PCR tests inside the facility, and will be billeted in isolated rooms. Results will be relayed by the COVID Enforcement Team, headed by MSAS’ Dr. Janis de Vera.
“Athletes and coaches will be billeted in single and double occupancy rooms, with pick-and-go scheme in food distribution throughout the bubble,” said De Vera.
