Even as the government recommends social distancing and isolation, and the UFC postpones events, the USADA drug testing program marches on.
If any athletes were hoping that the string of cancelled cards and COVID-19 concerns would give them some relief from drug testing, that doesn’t look too likely. While USADA has issued a new set of protocols noting that they “will focus only on mission-critical testing of athletes in sports still competing,” with an emphasis on the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, MMA Junkie reports that that will also include maintaining the UFC’s drug testing program as well.
As such, however – and with the growing emphasis on caution around self-quarantining, social distancing, and cancelling of large gatherings – USADA has issued a number of new protocols for testing athletes. They announced the changes to their testing in a statement posted to the company’s website.
- Where feasible, DCOs will use personal protective gear, including mask and gloves. DCOs will also have hand sanitizer for use during the processing of the sample. Please keep in mind that many communities have a shortage of these materials that are needed by the healthcare system.
- As always, we ask that both athletes and DCOs wash their hands before testing occurs.
- We encourage athletes and DCOs to maintain a six-foot distance during the process.
- During this time, no USADA DCO who has any sign of sickness or otherwise meets any of the risk criteria identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will be collecting samples.
So far through the first quarter of 2020, USADA has conducted 915 total tests on 554 athletes. Perhaps that number will fall somewhat over the next few months as the agency looks to focus more on fighters currently scheduled to compete or otherwise tries to use the “rational and adaptable approach” they’ve highlighted on their website. Still, for the moment, it appears that whether the UFC has fight cards going on in the next few weeks or not, fighters can still expect a knock on their door from a USADA collection agent.