The FIA continues to plan to carry its annual awards gala in Rwanda in December, despite the World Health Organization (WHO) advising against travel to the country as a result of the Marburg virus outbreak.
On December 13, the motor racing governing body will hold its annual ceremonial event in Kigali to present this yr's FIA awards and in addition have fun its a hundred and twentieth anniversary.
During the event, FIA championship winners officially present their trophies, and track attendance is mandatory for Formula 1 winners every year.
Lewis Hamilton has been fined for missing the 2021 event following the season finale controversy in Abu Dhabi.
Article 6.9 of the F1 Sporting Regulations states: “A representative of the competitor who finished first in the Constructors' Championship and the drivers who finished first, second and third in the Drivers' Championship must be present at the annual FIA awards ceremony.”
FIA flag
Photo: Eric Gilbert
However, the FIA's hosting of this yr's Awards Gala, which attracts delegates and guests from world wide, may face some logistical challenges as Rwanda is currently at the middle of the virus outbreak.
Late last month, Rwanda's Ministry of Health announced the country's first confirmed case of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD).
The latest data released on October 8 by the Rwandan Ministry of Health shows that there at the moment are 58 confirmed cases within the country, including 13 deaths. This is one in all the biggest confirmed outbreaks of this disease in history.
The government of Rwanda is working with WHO to coordinate the response.
A WHO statement last updated on September 30 said: “WHO assesses the risk of this outbreak as very high at the national level, high at the regional level and low at the global level. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the outbreak and the risk assessment will be updated as more information is received.”
While measures are being put in place in Rwanda to limit the spread of the disease, she added: “Based on the current risk assessment, WHO advises against any restrictions on travel and trade with Rwanda.”
However, the WHO has not imposed a complete travel ban, and currently advice from the UK Foreign Office simply urges travelers to avoid close contact with individuals with symptoms of the disease. Rwanda's predominant tourist attractions are operating as normal.
The FIA can also be currently involved with government agencies to observe developments, but says plans for the Gala should not affected right now.
An FIA spokesman said: “We are closely monitoring the situation in cooperation with the Rwandan Ministry of Health. We are currently proceeding as planned.”
Max Verstappen, FIA Formula 1 World Champion, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA
Photo: FIA
Marburg virus, clinically much like Ebola virus, could cause fatal hemorrhagic fever, with a mortality rate as high as 88%. There is currently no treatment available, but healthcare employees are receiving a trial vaccine.
People initially change into infected after contact with Rousettus bats, however the virus spreads from individual to individual through direct contact – including the blood, secretions, organs or other body fluids of infected people, in addition to contaminated surfaces and materials resembling bedding and clothing.
To prevent the disease from spreading internationally, passengers departing Rwanda were asked to finish a screening questionnaire to report any symptoms. Anyone who has been involved with a confirmed case must quarantine for a minimum of 21 days and until symptoms subside.
