LONDON | As we see a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospital admissions around the world, London and the Wimbledon tournament are dead quiet.
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According to the All England Club website, few people are wearing the mask inside and outside. They are often thought of as extraterrestrials.
However, we see bottles of disinfectant everywhere. The facilities indicate that it is advisable to wash your hands regularly.
Inside the media center you will see more measurements than outside. Work tables are equipped with partitions.
A packet of disinfectant wipes and a bottle of disinfectant liquid are available to all journalists.
Despite these measures, we see some journalists wearing the mask all the time. However, they are far from the majority.
Finished the tests
Otherwise everything is normal. We have access to the athletes without having to wear the face covering.
In our individual interviews, which take place in small rooms, there is no mask requirement and we do not have to maintain physical distance.
Players will no longer have them tested before jumping onto the field. They can play even if they have the virus and have mild symptoms.
With the exception of Novak Djokovic, all athletes have been vaccinated.
In short, it’s an open bar. There is no talk of tightening the measures at Wimbledon for the time being.
Everywhere the same
If you leave the tournament area, it’s the same. Hygiene regulations are not in place. It is normal. Boris Johnson’s government ended the measures a few months ago.
Masks are no longer compulsory on public transport or in taxis.
During rush hour, the trains are filled to the last seat. Only a handful of people cover their faces.
However, users try to keep some distance between them. This is an element we haven’t seen before.
Disinfectant bottles are clearly visible in subway stations. However, no rules apply.