The MX Nationals Lead Medical Officer has released a statement on the postponement of the first round of the 2020 MX Nationals, which was due to be held this coming weekend at FatCat MotoParc.
Following the coronavirus press conference held by Boris Johnson yesterday afternoon, the MX Nationals organisers felt that they had no option but to postpone the start to the series.
“In view of the rapid development of the Coronavirus outbreak, and todayās government statement, it is with regret that we have decided to postpone the opening round of the MX Nationals British MX Championship,” said the MX Nationals.
“The government stated that emergency services support will not be provided for sporting events; our medical company has confirmed this.
“We are sorry to have to disappoint our riders, families, teams, spectators and staff who make the series what it is, but safety must come first.
“Riders who have entered Round One do not need to do anything for the moment.”
At the briefing by the PM and his advisors, new guidance was laid out, including the advice against holding mass gatherings and that if they were held, emergency services would not be available.
MX Nationals Medical Lead, Mike Coombes has now added his take on it:
“To clarify and to support our difficult decision to cancel round one this weekend our Lead Medical Officer has written a statement from their point of view:
“On the 16th March 2020, our prime minister, Boris Johnson released an updated statement with regards to the management of the Covid-19 virus. In this statement it was advised to avoid all public gatherings and only travel if essential to do so. It was further stated that Emergency services would not be available to assist public events if they did wish to continue against advice.
“Every large scale motorsport event has an incredible amount of emergency and medical planning and part of this plan includes the inter-professional working with local emergency services, hospitals and councils in the event of a major incident. Whilst Iām confident we have sufficient Advanced Clinical Personnel and Ambulance cover at the track, local hospitals and emergency services are struggling with demand and would be unable to assist us in the event of a Major Incident or multiple patient situation.
“This would therefore render weeks of medical planning and major incident planning flawed and unacceptable. We continue to deal with the Covid-19 virus as a country and the information remains the same. Anyone who is concerned or displaying symptoms is asked to follow advice from the NHS.
“We thank you for your continued support and understanding at this time.”
The next round of the series is slated for Desertmartin on April 18-19 ā at this time it is still on their schedule.
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