APPEAL TO AVOID THE MOUNTAINS
The German Alpine Club published the following statement on 20 March. It appealed to its members not to visit the mountains and especially difficult and long tours.
The article (in German) can be found here.
Month: March 2020
FLATTEN THE CURVE
The following advice was shared by the International Slackline Association. The article also provides several interesting links.
Most of the slack community is young and healthy, but all of us will know and care about someone for whom getting COVID-19 will be a very different story.
Sure, the death rate is <1%, but this is if hospitals are functioning well, and the news are full of examples of what happens when good healthcare gets overloaded. Most cases aren’t too bad, but when so many happen at once the more serious 10% who need intensive care can’t get it and die, making the death rate go up significantly.
Slacklining itself is not the worst activity, but we pass many people as we commute, and all of us are a gateway to other people. Meeting up keeps the virus spreading faster, when the best thing we can do is slow it down to spread the impact. Since the growth rate is exponential, even small actions make a difference, especially in the next days to come.
We encourage all member federations and slackliners to continue observing strict compliance with the measures enforced by their respective national and regional authorities.
Full Article:
PUTTING CLIMBING ON HOLD
The following is a statement written by the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) on 23 March.
The BMC and mountain rescue teams advise all climbers, hill walkers and mountaineers to stay in their home area and put all climbing and hill walking on hold.
Last week, the government advice was ambiguous, and over the weekend thousands of people headed to the hills, mountains and coasts of the UK.
Today, the message from the governments, mountain rescue teams, outdoor industry, local communities, police and doctors is very simple: stay local and only travel for essential purposes.
During his daily briefing on Sunday, Boris Johnson stated: “It is very important for people’s mental and physical wellbeing that they should be able to get out and exercise if they possibly can. Parks, open spaces are so absolutely crucial for our country and for our society, but when we do that we have to do it responsibly.”
However, he warned the public that they need to follow social distancing guidelines, or the Government will be forced to restrict access to more open spaces.
The BMC advice to all climbers and hill walkers is now simple: climbing and hill walking are not activities requiring essential travel. Stay local, and put your climbing and hillwalking on hold. This applies to all types of climbing and mountain activities, from bouldering to ski mountaineering
Dave Turnbull, BMC CEO, said:
“We never thought we’d be asking the outdoor community not to go climbing or hill walking, but that’s our current advice. It’s time to put it on hold.”
Elfyn Jones, BMC access officer and member of Llanberis Mountain Rescue said:
“There’s been a lot of talk about justifying why we can still climb or hill-walk safely within our capabilities and that, somehow, we can do this without affecting anyone else or impacting spread of the virus. The simple fact is – we can’t. Please stop.”
“Stay in your home area. We all owe it to everyone else to do everything we can to help stop or at least delay the spread of this disaster. Please put climbing, mountaineering and hill walking on hold until it’s safe to do so.”
Mountain rescue cover across the UK will either be withdrawn totally or drastically reduced this week as health service resources are prioritised and popular mountain areas are closed down.
British Mountain Guide and anaesthetist Jon Morgan said:
“Do everything in your power to minimise both risk and social contact. Be scrupulous about hand hygiene and spread the word. Your own personal actions may save the life of a relative or someone you know. I am writing this as an anaesthetist who will be keeping people alive with ventilators. All the signals are we will be overwhelmed like Italy. Please help out by taking this as seriously as possible.”
UKClimbing has suspended the use of its online logbooks for recording new climbs. The team there commented:
“Although the weather is finally fine, and we feel the urge to get out as much as anyone, we at UKClimbing believe that all climbing should now cease, and we will be promoting that message loud and clear.”
BMC advice for climbers and hill walkers
• Don’t travel unless it’s essential
• Don’t go climbing or hill walking
• Stay local.
• Keep a social distance of 2m
• Avoid all but essential contact with anyone
This advice is backed up by a group of 35 leading national outdoor activity, tourism, nature, health and rescue organisations, that have come together to back the Prime Minister’s call for the public to behave responsibly while exercising outside. In a joint statement, the group has offered support to the government and advice to the nation on how to stay active safely during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Andrew Denton of the Outdoor Industries Association said:
“A nation in lockdown could lead to enhanced anxiety, depression, social unrest, mental and physical ill health, and social poverty. In contrast, carefully managed local exercise, inside or outside, will provide welcome active release for individuals and families feeling trapped. Getting into the outdoors sensibly very close to our own homes now, will make it easier for all of us to sustain other official guidelines and preserve the health of the vulnerable in the longer term.”
The original article can be viewed here.
CLIMBERS: TAKE ACTION AGAINST CORONAVIRUS
The American Alpine Club has published a number of resources related to coronavirus
Climbers take action
The following article -17 March – invites climbers to play their part in suppressing the spread of the virus
https://americanalpineclub.org/news/2020/3/17/climbers-take-action-against-coronavirus
Lodges
The following article -17 March – provides an update on the use of huts and lodges run by the AAC
https://americanalpineclub.org/news/2020/3/17/lodging-coronavirus-update
WADA updates its COVID-19 guidance for Anti-Doping Organizations
On 21 March, World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) issued updated guidance for Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
WADA developed the guidance following consultation with ADOs, including National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs), International Federations and Major Event Organizations as well as other organizations, such as the International Testing Agency (which is leading the pre-Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Task Force on behalf of the International Olympic Committee) and accredited laboratories, to determine how the anti-doping community can best operate in this challenging environment.
Malta: Activities Suspended
The following message was published by UIAA full member Malta Climbing Club on 23 March.
Due to the ever developing situation with the Covid-19 pandemic we have decided to suspend all club activities until further notice. This includes the club AGM, which is postponed to a later date which will be announced once the situation calms down.
Please keep an eye on this website and on our social media page and group for the latest updates.
Stay safe!
UIAA UPDATE: COVID-19 STATEMENT
For all information related to the UIAA and Covid-19 please visit the dedicated page. Click here.
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This statement was finalised following a UIAA Crisis Management meeting held online on Monday 23 March.
COVID-19
For a large number of our member federations, the COVID-19 situation continues to be the dominating challenge in both private and public life.
The UIAA – International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation – is fully aware of the hardships, and in some cases the intense suffering, brought about by the pandemic.
MEMBERSHIP
The UIAA is conscious that many federations have already taken courageous and far-reaching action. We wish to express our gratitude and admiration to those who have shown leadership, solidarity and compassion. In the coming days, the UIAA will create a dedicated COVID-19 page on its website to showcase member initiatives and stories. In this time of need, we can inspire each other.
UPDATE: Please note this website page is now available to view.
The UIAA wishes to repeat its statement published on 13 March: we encourage strict compliance with the measures implemented by your national, regional and local authorities in order to contain the spread of the virus. Social distancing and confinement directives apply to all climbers, hikers, walkers, mountaineers and practitioners of mountain sports. Respect for these measures also insure that medical and rescue services are dedicated to those most in need.
UIAA OFFICE
Following recommendations made by authorities in Switzerland to reduce the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus, the UIAA Office in Bern will be closed until at least 30 April. All UIAA staff are working remotely. The UIAA Office team is accustomed to agile working, to communicating through online tools, and is fully focused on continuing to deliver support to its members.
To contact the UIAA Office, please email office@theuiaa.org
COMMISSIONS AND PROJECTS
Many of our member federations are directly involved in UIAA Commissions or Working Groups. Until further notice, all UIAA events, activities and gatherings which require travel are suspended. We encourage you to communicate through online tools and to postpone all meetings in person. Commission-specific guidance regarding the status of ongoing UIAA Commission projects will be forthcoming from the respective Commission Presidents.
2020 GENERAL ASSEMBLY
With respect to the 2020 UIAA General Assembly and associated meetings of the Management Committee and some Commissions, we strongly recommend not making any travel arrangements and to wait for the instructions contained in the statutory July Calling Notice which will be fully adapted to the prevailing circumstances in both the host country and delegates’ countries. The UIAA Executive Board proposes an interim reporting date of mid-May to make a decision about the staging of the GA.
Regarding the organization of the 24-27 October meetings in Antalya, Turkey, the UIAA Office is in constant contact with the host country federation (Turkish Mountaineering Federation, TDF) to offer its support, and to ensure they are aware of our collective concerns and the evolving course of action.
Also, as communicated on 13 March, the UIAA Management Committee and Commission meetings scheduled for 30 April – 4 May have been postponed.
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This statement has been sent to all UIAA member federations, UIAA Management Committee members, UIAA Commission Presidents, the UIAA Court and to all sponsors and partners.
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Yours Sincerely,
UIAA Executive Board and President Frits Vrijlandt
ESSENTIAL RESOURCES
World Health Organisation – COVID-19
Swiss Federal Office of Public Health – COVID-19
NEWS FROM BULGARIA
The following update was published by the Bulgarian Climbing and Mountaineering Federation on 14 March.
The original in Bulgarian can be found here.
In connection with an order of the Minister of Health dated 13.03.2020, all events in the calendar of BFA planned to be held until March 29 are cancelled: All kinds of mass events, including sports, cultural and entertaining and scientific events (cinemas, theaters, concerts, museums, conferences, symposia, sports and SPA centers, gyms, etc.) shall be discontinued.
The entire order can be viewed on the website of the Ministry of Health. New competition dates will be announced in a timely manner, keep an eye on the site for information.
With regard to the measures against the spread of the coronavirus, the upcoming official international competitions have been cancelled – the European Alpine Skiing Championships, there will be no competitions in sport climbing until the end of March, April and May; later in the year.
UPDATES REGARDING THE 2020 CLIMBING SEASON IN NEPAL
The UIAA is sharing two communications regarding the 2020 climbing season in Nepal. The first is from UIAA member association, Nepal Mountaineering Association. The second is an article from the Kathmandu Post.
NEPAL MOUNTAINEERING ASSOCIATION (NMA)
The UIAA received the following communication from the NMA on 13 March:
The COVID-19 outbreak has created a global threat; as a precautionary step, states are restricting entry to their boundaries. Taking into account the global recommendation and measures of the WHO, the government of Nepal has decided to temporarily suspend visa-on-arrival for the nationals which will be in effect from 10th March 2020. The declaration of World Health Organization regarding the scale of COVID-19 spread as global pandemic, following the recommendations and counter measures to be taken by the countries to cope with the pandemic and assimilation to the International Health Regulation (IHR) 2005, Protocols and Prescriptions; Government of Nepal has decided to enforce decisions, directions and precautionary measures in all the earlier notices issued on this subject. The government has also issued the notice to be implemented from 14th March 2020 till 30th April 2020. Amongst suspension of foreigners for visa-on-arrival, all the permits for mountaineering expedition issued, and to be issued for spring 2020 season are suspended.
The Department of tourism has notified that the climbing permits for the expedition that have already been issued or to be issued for the Spring Season 2020, to be halted. In accordance with the decision made on the 12th March 2020 by a high level committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister, Government of Nepal.
In this regard, Nepal Mountaineering Association has discontinued issuing the permits for the peaks that are under our supervision. We would like to extend the information to all the member alpine association states. We would also like you to circulate it among member states, climbing associations and other stakeholders about this state of crisis.
We would also like to bring into attention for the Prevention, Preparedness, Public Health and Political leadership into doing the right things with calm and protect the citizens.
Regards
Santa Bir Lama
President
Annex: Updated Urgent Notice Regarding Travel Restriction Related to COVID-19
Dated 13th March 2020 (12:15hrs/NST)
Considering the declaration of World Health Organization regarding the scale of COVID-19 spread as a global pandemic, following the recommendations and counter measures to be taken by the countries to cope with the pandemic and assimilating the International Health Regulation (IHR) 2005, Protocols and Prescriptions; Government of Nepal has decided to enforce the following decisions, directions, and precautionary measures in supplantation of all the earlier notices issued on this subject. The provisions enlisted in this notice will come into effect from twelve hours midnight (Nepal Standard Time) on 14th March 2020 till 30th April 2020.
- Visa-on-arrival for all foreigners has been suspended for aforementioned period.
- All foreigners with a prior valid visa of Nepal have to submit a swab test PCR health certificate issued maximum 7 days before their arrival date to Nepal and must be submitted at the immigration office Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA)
- Any foreign nationals including NRNs willing to visit Nepal for compelling reasons many contact to Nepali diplomatic missions abroad. A recent swab test PCR health certificate issued maximum 7 days before their arrival to Nepal is mandatory along with a visa application and it has to be submitted at the immigration office TIA.
- On-arrival-visa (Gratis) facility granted to Non-Resident Nepalese card holders is also suspended for the aforementioned period
- All foreign nationals entering Nepal since 14th March 2020 are subjected to stay in self-quarantine and Nepali nationals including NRNs are subjected to stay in Home Quarantine for 14 days from the date of their arrival.
- Foreigners with diplomatic and official visa entering Nepal for the first time or travelling back to Nepal are subjected to stay in Self Quarantine for 14 days.
- Foreigners with business, study and working visa travelling back to Nepal are subjected to stay in Self quarantine for 14 days.
- All Nepali nationals residing abroad are requested to avoid non-essential travel and are urged to follow high precautionary measures.
- All the land ports of entry in Nepal remain closed for arrival in Nepal during the aforementioned period to the foreigners from third countries and are requested to use Tribhuvan International Airport only.
- All the permits for mountaineering expeditions issued, and to be issued for spring 2020 season are suspended.
The diplomatic missions of Nepal representing abroad and foreign missions in Nepal are requested to acknowledge and circulate this notice accordingly. The International airlines operate bound to Nepal, travel & tour operators are also requested to follow the aforementioned decisions, directions and relevant circulars of Government of Nepal.
Note: The diplomatic missions of Nepal abroad and the foreign missions in Nepal will be notified in purview of this notice shortly through Department of Consular Services.
KATHMANDU POST
The article was published on 12 March.
The Nepal government, late Thursday night (12 March), decided to temporarily stop issuing on-arrival tourist visas to all countries and has put an end to all spring mountaineering expeditions, including Everest ascents.
The decision comes a day after the World Health Organization declared the Covid-19 outbreak a pandemic and urged countries to take precautionary measures.
“The visa suspension, which excludes diplomatic and official visas, will come into effect on March 14 and last until April 30,” a government official told the Post on condition of anonymity.
A high-level coordination committee led by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ishwar Pokhrel took the decision to this effect on Thursday.
The meeting also decided to restrict traveller movement to and from India via land routes and adhere to strict quarantine measures at the border. No decision has been made to close down schools and colleges.
“In case of emergency, any foreigners wishing to come to Nepal will need to submit a medical certificate declaring that they are free of the coronavirus while applying at Nepal’s consulate in their respective countries,” the official said. “The government has also decided not to issue visas for tourists entering Nepal via land routes.”
According to the official, all spring expeditions, including Everest, have been cancelled.
The decision effectively puts an end to the lucrative spring climbing season, which is when most Everest attempts take place.
Mountaineers generally apply for Everest permits from the end of March. The spring season begins in early April as hordes of climbers start trekking for the Everest region. From hotels to restaurants, guides to potters, and airlines to helicopters, all eagerly await the spring climbing season as it generates much-needed income and jobs for the mountainous region.
The government alone earns around $4 million by issuing Everest climbing permits every year. The two-week summit window normally begins in the second week of May. Millions of dollars in income are expected to be wiped out from the market if the Spring ascents are called off.
In the wake of the global coronavirus outbreak, China has already cancelled all Everest expeditions from the Tibetan side.
The China Tibet Mountaineering Association, the body that issues climbing permits, notified expeditions on Wednesday that all Everest ascents from the northern side had been cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
The full article can be viewed here.
UIAA STATEMENT ON COVID-19
The President and the Executive team of the UIAA – International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation – wish to express their sincere sympathy with all of its member federations who in various degrees are affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The UIAA encourages all member federations to continue observing strict compliance with the measures enforced by their respective national and regional authorities.
In agreement with the Mountaineering Federation of North Macedonia, the UIAA has cancelled its spring meetings (UIAA Management Committee and Commission meetings for Ice Climbing and Safety). These were due to take place from 30 April – 4 May. The Executive team and the UIAA Office will provide further updates in due course.