The BA of Thailand (BAT) are not taking any risks as they gear up to host the unprecedented Asian leg of the World Tour in Bangkok on Jan 12-31.
Given the current Covid-19 situation, the BAT have put in place strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) and requirements for players and officials who will be part of the Yonex Thailand Open (Jan 12-17), Toyota Thailand Open (Jan 19-24) and the World Tour Finals on Jan 27-31.
Among the measures to be undertaken by all visitors include a negative Covid-19 test result (72 hours before arriving in Bangkok) that must be produced upon arrival and a 14-day quarantine at the official hotel, which will be closed to outsiders.
Players and officials will have to undergo a number of Covid-19 tests throughout their entire stay in Thailand.
"Upon arrival in Thailand, players will be transported to the official hotel where they will undergo a Covid-19 test and fulfill the 14-day quarantine.
"Additional quarantine days and measures are required for participants from high-risk Covid-19 countries. These measures and the list of countries will be announced soon.
"Each team will be provided with their own transportation. The hotel will be closed to other visitors during the quarantine period," stated in the recently published prospectus.
BAT noted that throughout the quarantine period, players and officials will be allowed to utilise the facilities at the hotel, within an allocated time without coming into contact with other teams.
"During the 14-day quarantine period, athletes and entourage can practice and use the recreational facilities in compliance with the given schedule. Athletes cannot go outside the 'bubble' during the quarantine period.
"However, they don't have to stay inside their rooms all the time while observing the quarantine period.
"There will also be a schedule for each team to use the recreational and practice facilities. Only athletes and entourage from the same country can go to the recreational area at an allocated time.
"For teams with one or very few players, they can choose to train together provided the teams concerned agree to the request.
"During the 14-day quarantine period at the official hotel, BAT will provide free accommodation on a single room basis, breakfast, lunch and dinner for players only."
All players and officials must arrive in Bangkok on Jan 4 by noon for it to be considered Day One of quarantine. Players and officials from high-risk Covid-19 countries may be required to arrive earlier.
It is a mandatory requirement to provide a negative test result for Covid-19 upon entry into Thailand. There will also be several PCR tests conducted upon arrival and during the quarantine and tournament dates.
BAT will also provide a Covid-19 insurance policy of up to US$10,000 (about RM41,000) coverage, free of charge to all players and team officials.