Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque (Screengrab from Laging Handa briefing)
MANILA – The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-ID) has allowed the Philippines’ hosting of the 2021 Swimming National Selection Meet in Capas, Tarlac, Malacañang said on Friday.
The IATF-EID’s approval came following the request of the Philippine Swimming Inc. (PSI) to host this year’s national selection meet at the New Clark City Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press statement.
Roque, who concurrently serves as the IATF-EID spokesperson, said the hosting of the 2021 Swimming National Selection Meet will be done under a “bubble-type format.”
“In this connection, the delegates of the National Selection Meet shall be considered as Authorized Persons Outside of Residence and shall be allowed interzonal travel,” he said.
PSI is a local federation recognized by the International Swimming Federation. It is a national governing body for swimming and other aquatic sports in the Philippines.
Resumption of athletes' training
Meantime, the IATF-EID has also allowed athletes who will participate in the Tokyo Olympics and the South East Asian (SEA) Games to resume their training under a “bubble-type” setting, Roque said.
“Athletes bound for the Tokyo Olympics and the South East Asian (SEA) Games may commence with their bubble-type training, subject to the applicable guidelines of the Philippine Sports Commission, the Games, and Amusement Board and the Department of Health,” he said.
The Tokyo Olympics will officially run from July 23 to August 8 this year.
On the other hand, the 31st SEA Games will take place in Hanoi, Vietnam from November 21 to December 2 this year.
Prioritize vaccination
Roque said the IATF-EID has also approved the recommendation to prioritize the vaccination of athletes, coaches, delegates and officials bound for the Tokyo Olympics and the SEA Games.
“Related to this, the IATF approved the Technical Working Group’s recommendation to the Interim National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (iNITAG) to prioritize the vaccination of athletes, coaches, delegates, and officials bound for the Tokyo Olympics and the South East Asian Games,” he said. (PNA)
with Spox Roque pic
