Players infected with coronavirus will not take part in the IEM Katowice 2022 playoffs

Tournament operator ESL has unveiled a security protocol for IEM Katowice 2022 participants during the coronavirus pandemic. Among the main rules is a ban on participation in the playoffs of the championship of players infected with the coronavirus.

Subject to existing global and local regulations, we have taken precautions to ensure that we can ensure the safety of ourselves, players and fans at Spodek Arena.

Here is the main list of rules and restrictions that ESL imposes on IEM Katowice 2022 participants:

• Vaccinated players and coaches will not be restricted in their movement. However, they are required to follow basic COVID-19 precautions when in public. In simple words, all teams must use personal protective equipment (medical masks, gloves).
• All additional team personnel must be fully vaccinated.
  
• All teams will have access to facilities and services while staying at the official hotel to make their stay as comfortable as possible.
  
• Medical masks must be used in official areas (except when players are eating, drinking or competing). At the same time, the organizers promised to provide access to disinfectants in all areas.
  
• Players and coaches must maintain social distancing for any prolonged contact.

The organizers also clarified the rules regarding substitutions in the event that the players of the starting line-up are found to have coronavirus. So, the teams had the opportunity to provide up to five substitute players in advance. However, teams may request an emergency substitution throughout the tournament, which will be considered by the championship organizers.

If players show any symptoms, they may be asked to take a coronavirus test in addition to the mandatory screening.

If a player has tested positive after arrival and check-in at the hotel, but symptoms are limited to a cold or no symptoms, and he feels able to continue participating at IEM Katowice 2022, the team may ask him to play in a quarantine area outside the hotel with tournament equipment and under the supervision of ESL, or use a replacement or emergency replacement.

However, the organizers will not provide such an opportunity in the championship playoff matches. All players will be required to be on stage and any player who tests positive and goes into isolation must be substituted.

ESL noted that they can change the rules at any time based on the situation related to COVID-19 during the IEM Katowice 2022 playoffs.

IEM Katowice 2022 will take place from 15 to 27 February in Katowice. 24 teams will compete for a prize pool of $1,000,000. Recall that earlier it became known about a positive test result for coronavirus in ropz. The Estonian esportsman will be forced to miss the start of the championship, while jks will take his place in FaZe Clan.