European Tour to deliver at-home Covid tests through 2020

LetsGetChecked will deliver its Coronavirus Sure-track Tests for at-home use throughout the 2020 season as part of the European Tour’s comprehensive Health Strategy.

As an official European Tour Covid-19 test supplier, LetsGetChecked will provide at-home test kits, to be completed by all personnel in advance of their on-site arrival.

Offering an end-to-end model, LetsGetChecked’s new Sure-track Test is the most complete FDA EUA-authorised Coronavirus at-home testing solution on the market. The at-home Coronavirus (COVID-19) test incorporates a non-invasive nasal swab and PCR lab analysis, offering convenient and secure results in as little as 24 hours. The at-home Coronavirus test is accompanied by LetsGetChecked’s connected platform offering 24/7 telehealth services supported by licensed healthcare professionals and timely guidance on containment and care for those who test positive.

Upon receipt of a negative at-home test result, everyone present at the tournament will move to the on-site testing phase before they are able to enter the tournament “bubble”, with the European Tour implementing a stringent medical Health Strategy, including a programme of symptom checking, temperature measurement, and rapid PCR screening for players, caddies, and all other personnel to help mitigate risk.

All tournaments played for the remainder of the 2020 season will be governed by the European Tour’s Health Strategy, developed by European Tour Chief Medical Officer Dr. Andrew Murray and various advisers from across the countries in which the Tour plays. The Tour’s medical advisory board includes virologists, public health experts, immunologists, and senior health leaders from FIFA, World Rugby and the ATP.

In addition to following the off-site and on-site testing protocols at each event, participants will operate within national public health guidelines on site, including the practice of social distancing, and following enhanced hygiene directives.

European Tour Chief Medical Officer Dr. Andrew Murray, said: “The health of our players, caddies, and staff is our absolute priority. Ensuring that no one travels when they have symptoms, and also having an at- home PCR test decreases the risk of anyone travelling with COVID-19 and spreading the virus.

“LetsGetChecked’s testing solution will help to increase safety at our events and is a key part of our medical strategy. They have delivered kits all over Europe and North America, giving us the ability to provide at- home testing with maximum convenience. A number of players also benefit from a range of their other services, including checking Vitamin D, which is important for health and performance.”

“LetsGetChecked is excited to be collaborating with the European Tour as part of it’s comprehensive Health Strategy to minimise the risk of COVID-19 at events,” Peter Foley, LetsGetChecked founder and CEO, said of the partnership. “Our at-home Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing solution, which is the only true end-to-end service on the market, will help keep players and personnel safe and healthy during the 2020 season, and we are proud to support this initiative.”

Following the suspension of the season on March 8, the reshaped 2020 Race to Dubai season restarted with the Austrian Open at Diamond Country Club on July 9 -12 -won by Scotland’s Marc Warren -followed by the Euram Bank Open at Golf Club Adamstal, where Joël Stalter of France claimed his first European Tour title.

The action then moves to the UK for six weeks, starting with the Betfred British Masters hosted by Lee Westwood, at Close House, near Newcastle in the north east of England, from Wednesday July 22 to Saturday July 25. This will be followed by the Hero Open at the Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel & Country Club, the English Championship at Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club, the Celtic Classic and the Wales Open at The Celtic Manor Resort in Newport and the UK Championship at The Belfry.

Dates for four Rolex Series events have also been announced – the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club from October 8-11, the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club on October 15-18, the Nedbank Golf Challenge hosted by Gary Player at Gary Player Country in Sun City on December, 3-6 and the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, at Jumeirah Golf Estates, on December 10-13, where the 2020 Race to Dubai Champion will be crowned.

Details of subsequent tournaments from September through to November will be announced in due course, with a variety of scheduling options currently under consideration as the global situation continues to evolve.

Aside from adhering to the Health Strategy, all European Tour tournaments from July until December will also be a part of the Tour’s new ‘Golf for Good’ initiative, a narrative which will underpin the season and one which aims to give back in three key areas: