STATEMENT FROM HUMAN VOYAGE SDN BHD, THE ORGANISER OF LE TOUR DE LANGKAWI 2020 (PETRONAS LTdL 2020) ON PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AGAINST NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (2019-nCoV)
We wish to inform the public that we are closely monitoring the latest situation of the global health emergency arising from the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak. We will take all measures to ensure the safety and health of the public and our stakeholders, primarily the fans, riders, race entourage, all officials and staff.
Human Voyage is taking precautionary measures by working closely with the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MoH) and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) to conduct a thorough screening of all participating teams and their riders who will be competing in the race from Feb 6-15, 2020. We will strictly follow the standards operating procedures (SOPs) and guidelines set by the Ministry of Health Malaysia in dealing with the situation.
Riders, officials and media personnel from China are obligated to undergo medical check-up and forward their medical records to us in addition to undergoing health screening process upon their arrival at the airport/entry points.
Apart from the teams from China, riders and teams arriving from other parts of the world for the race will also be subjected to health screening and monitored to detect for any virus-related symptoms.
We will also forward the medical records and health screening results of the riders to the Ministry of Health for clearance before they are allowed to compete in the race.
As protection to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, we will be providing facemasks and hand sanitizers to the whole race entourage throughout the race period.
Thus far, only two teams, both based in China – the Hengxiang Cycling Team and the Giant Cycling Team have withdrawn from the race due to concerns over the outbreak of the coronavirus.
We are confident that there should not be any major issues concerning the participation of other teams from China as they are not from the virus-hit areas and most of them have been training abroad and not likely to re-enter China before landing in Malaysia for the race.
However, we take cognizance of the fact that the teams are subjected to the travel restrictions and guidelines set by the Malaysian Authorities as well as that of the teams’ countries of origin. We are in constant contact with them for any last minute changes to their participation in view of the travel restrictions due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Due to the magnitude of the outbreak, we will continue to monitor the situation and take further measures as and when needed. In the meantime, we look forward to welcoming all the teams, riders and their entourage to the Silver Jubilee edition of the race, from 6th to 15th February.
SHAHAIZEREEN A. HAMID
Chief Operating Officer, Human Voyage Sdn. Bhd.