Safari Rally Kenya chief medical officer Dr Raj Jutley has reassured World Rally Championship regulars that his organization will be ready for every eventuality when the series lands into Naivasha in June.
Jutley outlined plans for a team of doctors, an ICU complete with ventilators as well as evacuation services. He added that there would be a stringent adherence to the FIA’s own Appendix S regulations regarding COVID-19 protocols.
Last month’s Equator Rally provided the opportunity for a dry run of coronavirus policy as well as a look at the stages to be used by the WRC next month.
In total, 687 COVID-19 tests were completed on the Equator Rally, with one mechanic found with symptoms. That team member did not attend the event.
On the subject of dividing the event into service park-residing high density staff members and everybody else – low density – Jutley said: “The high density area is for those necessary for the safe running of the event.
“The essence for the 21-page Appendix S was to guide the world on how to conduct motorsport in the new normal.
“The FIA will send a COVID-19 delegate to monitor how operations at the high density area will be conducted. High density will have one exit and entrance.”
Kenyan media The Star underlined there would be no exceptions for breaking Appendix S.
The Star reported: “Dr Raj said those who access the designated HDA [high-density area] will have to undergo mandatory COVID-19 and antigen tests and will not be allowed to move out of the zone.
“The rest of the stakeholders including the FIA president [Jean Todt] and those in the presidential pavilion will have to be confined to the low-density area.”
