WHO says skiing does not lead to COVID-19
Mike Ryan, the WHO’s chief emergency expert, is confident that skiing does not significantly affect the spread of the coronavirus.
“I don’t think a lot of people will get (coronavirus) from skiing downhills,” Ryan said, commenting on the decision of several European countries not to open ski resorts.
The real problems (with the spread of COVID-19) can be more related to airports, tourist buses that will bring and take people from ski resorts, as well as lifts.
Experts of the World Health Organization have already indicated that the coronavirus spreads much more actively indoors than in the fresh air.
There were previously disagreements between European countries regarding the operation of ski resorts.
Germany asked the EU to find a common European solution, but Brussels considered it a problem of national competence.
The authorities of individual states are afraid that in the absence of uniform rules, Europeans will go to those countries where skiing and snowboarding are allowed, which will lead to an increase in the incidence of coronavirus upon their return to their homeland.
Discontent is associated with the economic losses that will suffer regions, most of whose income is associated with ski tourism.
France and Italy have decided to postpone the start of the ski season, and for Christmas resorts are not open. In Austria, this decision was opposed.
Source: tourism.interfax