By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is closely monitoring the health status of its national athletes and coaches in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
PSC Chairman Butch Ramirez said Wednesday they are in close coordination with various officials who are looking into the athletes’ welfare particularly those training abroad.
At the moment, no athlete or coach has reportedly been tested positive of the virus or has been showing symptoms.
“So far, wala pa,” Ramirez said.
Though most athletes, officials and employees have already gone home as early as last week in anticipation of the regional lockdown, Ramirez said PSC doctors are still seeking help from the Department of Health with regards to athletes getting tested.
The PSC is also in contact with the status of the athletes and coaches training abroad that include pole vaulter EJ Obiena in Italy, five Fil-Japanese athletes and gymnast Carlos Yulo in Japan, four swimmers and four tracksters in the United States and weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz stranded in Malaysia.
At the moment, the PSC is maintaining a skeletal force to keep up with day-to-day operations while others are conducting virtual offices while enhanced community lockdown is implemented within the region.
This year’s global sporting calendar is in a complex situation with most major international events getting postponed or cancelled.