Bahrain limit ticket sales to minimise COVID-19 risk

Organisers of the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix have taken steps to limit the number of spectators attending the race, with new measures announced as the number of cases of coronavirus in the country rises to 55.

Bahrain is set to hold the second round of the 2020 Formula 1 season, and officials are doing everything they can to ensure that the race will go ahead.

"The Bahrain International Circuit is committed to holding a safe and exciting Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix for local and international fans, and is working closely with all relevant Government departments, including the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Interior, to mitigate the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19)," read a statement from the race organisers.

"In light of the continued global outbreak of COVID-19, the BIC has announced that it will be phasing the sales of Grand Prix tickets to ensure appropriate social distancing guidelines are met.

"As further facts emerge, the BIC is in close communication with both Formula One Management and the Kingdom's health authorities to assess the developing situation and release further tickets or refund the face value of tickets depending on circumstances and updated medical advice.

"This precautionary step has been introduced along with a number of public health measures ahead of the Grand Prix to ensure the safety of all spectators, teams and circuit staff.

"These include screening procedures on entry, specialist medical facilities on-site, enhanced sanitation at the circuit, additional handwashing stations, information points for fans, as well as specific medical protocols to manage any suspected cases of COVID-19."

Brawn: 'If a team is prevented from entering a country, we can’t have a race'Read more

Steps have already been introduced to minimise the risk of visitors bringing the virus into the countries, with visitors from high-risk countries, most notably Italy, having to go through a three-hour medical check up before being allowed to advance from the airport.

Formula One motorsport managing director Ross Brawn has made clear that, if any team is denied access to a host country, no race will take place.

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