CANMORE – Organizers of the 2020 COOP FIS Cross-Country World Cup in Canmore are cautiously moving ahead with the races starting next week (March 20-22) amid global COVID-19 coronavirus concerns.
Norbert Meier, events director for the Alberta World Cup Society, said there are daily meetings about the coronavirus and what that “evolving picture” means from now until the world cup at the Canmore Nordic Centre.
He said as of now they are committed to hosting the event, however, they’re taking cautionary measures and consulting with FIS and local health authorities about all possibilities, which might include modifying events and side events.
“We’re planning for multiple scenarios for the short-term future; it’s a daily management thing,” Meier said.
“We’ve got the desire and are working to make sure the event happens, and happens in a safe way.”
Nordiq Canada, the country’s governing body for cross-country and para-nordic skiing, also stated this week “there is currently no indication for event organizers to delay or postpone" the races.
At the event, which will showcase the best skiers in the world from 18 countries, public safety measures will include “additional hand sanitizer stations and heightened awareness of hygiene, as recommended by Canadian Health Authorities.”
The organizing committee will also consult with organizers in Quebec City and Minneapolis, where the world cup is being hosted before Canmore, about best practices.
As of Tuesday (March 10), teams representing Italy, Korea, and Thailand have cancelled coming to the Canmore world cup for the season finale races due to COVID-19.
Meier added updates would be provided on the Alberta World Cup website and on social media as new information becomes available.
On Tuesday, Alberta's Chief Medical Officer of Health, Deena Hinshaw, announced 14 cases of COVID-19 in the province.
"While new cases are always concerning, Albertans should know that increases are expected as we work aggressively to limit the virus’s spread," Hinshaw said.
"We are all in this together. Every one of us has a role to play in protecting our families, friends and fellow Canadians. The precautionary measures you take now will help shield yourself and others, especially seniors and people with pre-existing medical conditions, from this virus.”
According to the Alberta government, some coronaviruses "cause some respiratory illness in people, ranging from mild common colds to severe illnesses. The COVID-19 strain does not appear to be as severe as other coronaviruses, such as SARS. Many patients have reported only mild symptoms.”
