Key result
Sporting activities show no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, with infections linked to private social gatherings.
Why the study?
There is a lack of available evidence on the risk of in-game SARS-CoV-2 transmission during team-based sports.
Case Report (n=15)
No
The study suggests that COVID-19 transmission in team sports may be more related to private and social gatherings than in-game transmission, emphasizing the need for strict hygiene guidelines.
Supports focusing precautions on off-field activities in athletes; leaves open the role of in-game transmission pending larger studies.
Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic poses extraordinary challenges in all fields of daily life. The WHO recommended social distancing guidelines and person-to-person contact was strongly discouraged to contain transmission. Team-based sports were questioned and widely debated. However, there is a lack of available evidence on the risk of in-game SARS-CoV-2 transmission. We aim to derive new insights regarding the risk of SARS-CoV2 infection during team sports and provide current opinion on how to behave during training and competition. Methods: We report on six competitive male volleyball players (national level) of the same team who were infected with COVID-19. The mode of transmission and potential virus spreading within the team was investigated. The entire course of infection was documented by detailed medical history of the players and RT-PCR tests confirmed suspected infections. Serological testing was performed to establish the antibody status of the team. Results: The investigation did not show strong evidence of viral transmission within the team during sporting activities. Only two players with PCR-proven infection hat detectable antibodies in two antibody assays. Conclusion: Private and social gatherings can spread infection into team sports. Clearly defined test strategies and strict adherence to standard COVID-19 hygiene guidelines during sports seasons cannot be overemphasized.
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Morath et al. (2022) conducted a case report in COVID-19 (n=15). Team sports participation (professional volleyball) was evaluated on SARS-CoV-2 transmission during sporting activities. Investigation of a professional male volleyball team found no strong evidence of SARS-CoV-2 transmission during sporting activities, with infections instead linked to private and social gatherings.
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