French Open allowing spectators amid virus resurgence

Spectators will be allowed at French Open this month despite growing number of coronavirus cases in country, organizers said on Monday.

Organizers unveiled health protocols for clay-court Grand Slam, which will take place at Roland Garros in western Paris from Sept. 27 after being postponed from its May start due to pandemic.

“Since international circuit restarted, Roland Garros will be first tournament with privilege of hosting an audience,” French Tennis Federation president Bernard Giudicelli said.

In accordance with latest government guidelines capping attendance to 5,000 people in regions like Paris, federation has scaled down its plans.

federation wanted to welcome 50% to 60% of capacity, equivalent of about 20,000 fans per day. Instead, Roland Garros will be divided into three zones based on three main courts, with 5,000 people each for Philippe Chatrier and Suzanne Lenglen courts. zone surrounding third biggest court will host a maximum of 1,500 spectators a day.

Wearing a mask on site will be mandatory, while all accredited people at tournament will have to pass virus tests to be admitted in Roland Garros bubble.

Tournament director Guy Forget said all players will be tested upon ir arrival in French capital city. y will be authorized to play if y return a negative test and will undergo a second test 72 hours later. Players will n be tested every five days as long as y remain in draw, and will have to stay in two hotels booked by organizers.

French officials have confirmed more than 30,000 deaths from COVID-19 while number of new daily cases surpassed 8,000 last Friday.