Fencing New Zealand is monitoring the global Coronavirus situation and working closely with the FIE and Asian Fencing Confederation (AFC).
As we know the Asian Cadet and Juniors has been postponed and it is very likely the Senior Championships, due to be held in South Korea next month, will also be postponed.
The AFC is working on an alternative venue for the Tokyo Olympic Qualifier which needs to be held before the end of April. New Zealand has been approached regarding the hosting, but we have discounted this at this point in time.
The health and safety of our members is of course paramount, and the current position of Fencing New Zealand is to follow the travel advisories from the Ministry of Health and MFAT. This will be reviewed regularly with the next review planned for Sunday’s Board meeting. Our position will be factored into any selections for overseas events.
Fencing New Zealand strongly encourages any athletes considering traveling overseas to compete or train to follow the official travel advisories and watch for any updates.
It is also worth noting that most of the travel insurance providers have now stated insurance cover take out after 31 January 2020 will exclude cover for Coronavirus related claims. Any cover taken out prior should be OK unless there is a specific cause excluding pandemics or epidemics within the policy.
Fencing New Zealand strongly encourages anyone considering traveling overseas to consider potential self-quarantine requirements into any decision making.
In the meantime, if anyone has any questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact myself directly.
Mark Rance
FeNZ President