IJF Removes Mask Mandate As Part Of New COVID-19 Protocols

The International Judo Federation (IJF) has removed its mask mandate and introduced a “recovered” status as part of its regular adaption of COVID-19 protocols.

The world-wide governing body had previously implemented a strict procedure to ensure World Judo Tour events could be staged safely.

As part of the new rules, mask wearing is no longer obligatory, though it still recommends for people to wear them at its events.

However, the host country may regulate mask wearing and testing which leads to the possibility that if their rules differ from the IJF’s, local rules must be followed.

The host country’s rules on positives cases must always be observed and “delegations should use common sense and act responsibly to protect and be protected”.

The new “recovered” status is designed to aid those who are infected with COVID-19 shortly before an event.

Everyone is obligated to report their status in advance with the potential of three antigen tests being conducted instead of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests.

In the circumstance that one of these antigen tests are positive, a PCR test must be completed.

People will not be subject to quarantine due to the antigen test result becoming available within 15 minutes.

The IJF Medical Commission reported that an estimated 80 per cent of the judo community has either been vaccinated or recovered from the virus.