It is not yet clear what, if any, COVID mitigation measures will be in place when thousands of people travel from around the world to Birmingham for the World Games in July.
There are no current plans to require face masks or limit the size of crowds at games, depending on WBHM. It’s also unclear what portion, if any, of the $2.7 million allocated for gaming by the Alabama Legislature in the state’s general fund budget approved in the last regular session will be used to COVID mitigation.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin’s office has been referred APR‘s questions regarding the World Games and COVID to World Games officials.
Jeff Emerson, spokesperson for the 2022 World Games, responded in a message to APR that the World Games continues to work with local, state, national and international health officials and experts “to ensure the Games are safe and safe for the athletes, spectators, media and others who will be present.
“Working with these partners, we are closely monitoring the status of COVID-19 cases and will follow health and safety guidelines from local public health authorities. All travelers to the United States are required to provide proof of vaccination and COVID protocols for all athletes, coaches and officials residing in Athletes’ Villages are being finalized,” Emerson continued. “In addition, masks will be available for all participants who request them. The 2022 World Games will use available funds for these and other important measures to protect public health.
The Alabama Department of Public Health warned Thursday that although COVID cases, hospitalizations and deaths are low, the pandemic is not over, and urged the public to get vaccinated and take precautions.
“Just over half of Alabama residents are vaccinated, and some residents who have been infected before have acquired immunity, but it’s unclear if and when new variants will arrive and how harmful they will be,” the department said in a news release.
The department has encouraged people to get tested as soon as symptoms appear or to see their health care provider to determine if they are candidates for therapeutic treatments. Oral antiviral treatments must be taken within five days of the onset of symptoms to be effective.
“COVID-19 tests can be done in pharmacies, doctor’s offices, urgent care clinics or health departments. A convenient way to test for COVID-19 is to have home tests. Two rounds of free at-home COVID-19 tests are available free of charge via https://www.covid.gov/tests“, the version status.
Alabama state health officer Dr. Scott Harris himself tested positive for COVID earlier this month.
“Fortunately, I am fully vaccinated and have already received my second booster,” Harris said in a statement. “I only have mild symptoms and will be working from home this week while remaining in isolation per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.”
Harris said that while the number of cases has recently declined in Alabama, “it reminds us that COVID-19 continues to circulate in our state.”
“The best way to prevent serious illness or death is to be fully vaccinated and boosted,” he said.
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