The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern as it relates to COVID-19. In response, and to prevent the virus from spreading further, governments around the world are taking a wide set of measures, including limitations on gatherings, events, and school activities, as well as travel and entry restrictions.
We are monitoring the situation with public health officials and authorities, including the South Africa Department of Health (DOH) via the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and the Western Cape Emergency Medical Services, as well as our event medical partner Mediclinic and our safety service provider Eyethu Events, to follow and implement guidelines dictated by health agencies and governments.
At this stage, the Western Cape Government does not propose altering arrangements for public events, and therefore we will be proceeding with The Absa Cape Epic as planned. All transfer, deferral and refund policies remain in effect and can be found here – https://www.cape-epic.com/riders/registered-riders/withdrawals--cancellations-.
We ask you to stay updated with respect to the impact of the outbreak in your location, follow governmental and agency recommendations to minimise risk, and follow any potential restrictions put in place. Anyone travelling for the event should make themselves familiar with respective national and World Health Organisation updates in those locations as well as travel policies from airlines and hotels. As always, riders should monitor their personal health appropriately and not race or travel to any event if they are unwell.
Athletes are also reminded to practice hygiene protection measures recommended by the WHO that can be found here - www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
For up-to-date information on Covid-19 refer to www.who.int and the South Africa Department of Health (DOH) at http://www.health.gov.za.
Karl Platt and Christoph Sauser win NTT Masters category in fine style
