Publication date: Feb 12, 2025

Isolation requirements for COVID-19 close contacts risked discouraging elite athletes and support staff from travelling to international sports events hosted in the UK during 2021. The purpose of this study, in collaboration with the UK Health Security Agency, was to develop and implement a risk assessment and workplace daily testing approach in elite sporting events, for individuals who would otherwise be excluded by quarantine. Longitudinal study of athletes and staff identified as close contacts during travel (ie, flights, train) to specific international sports events. A risk assessment was undertaken, and participants were categorised as at ‘low’ or ‘high’ risk of developing SARS-CoV-2 based on their exposure circumstances. High-risk individuals remained in 10-day isolation, whereas those of low risk underwent daily symptom and lateral flow testing, enhanced workplace mitigation and selected work activities were permitted. Of 29 514 event personnel, 202 travel-related close contacts were reported to the study team, of which 126 were eligible from 40 events in 7 sports. Of the individuals assessed, 105 (83. 3%) were classified as low risk, while 21 (16. 7%) were classified as high risk. No low-risk individuals tested positive in over 280 rapid antigen tests. International sports events rely on athlete and support staff availability, with economic consequences of event cancellation or postponement. Our study showed no detection of SARS-CoV-2 in low-risk close contacts, and enabled their sustained participation. This multidisciplinary intervention appears to have been effective, enabling large-scale event continuation, while minimising risk to athletes, employees and the wider public.

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