The UFC’s anti-doping partner announced Tuesday it plans on moving forward with drug testing fighters, who are all subject to random drug testing as part of their eligibility to fight in the UFC. USADA will also test athletes in other sports still competing, including those preparing for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Although testing still continues, USADA has updated their testing protocols in hopes of keeping athletes and doping control officers safe during the global pandemic.
The new protocols include the following:
- Personal protective gear for doping control officers. This means mask and gloves, and also hand sanitizer for use during the processing of the sample.
- Both doping control officers and athletes will be asked to wash their hands before testing occurs. Additionally, athletes and doping control officers will be encouraged to maintain a six-foot distance during the process.
- Only doping control officers who have not shown any signs of sickness that meet any of the risk criteria identified by the Centers for Disease Control will be collecting samples.
It’s also worth noting that the CDC has stated that symptoms of the coronavirus infection can take up to 14 days to arise. Those with the virus can still spread the disease even if they haven’t shown symptoms.
At this time, USADA requests athletes continue to file notice of whereabouts to reflect location or any changes in plans or canceled events.
