USADA to Continue Drug Testing, Including UFC Fighters, During Coronavirus Outbreak

The United States Anti-Doping Agency is changing its protocols in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, but the testing will go on.

USADA, the anti-doping partner of the UFC, released a statement on Tuesday that detailed an enhanced collection process with additional safety measures in place.

“Effective immediately, USADA will focus only on mission-critical testing of athletes in sports still competing, and as absolutely needed for those preparing for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games to ensure their rights are upheld and their reputations protected,” the statement read. While there was no specific language that mentioned UFC competitors in the statement, a USADA official told MMAFighting.com that fighters will continue to be tested “as deemed critical under the guidelines.” The promotion recently cancelled its next three events but is hoping to hold UFC 249 on April 18 at an as-yet-to-be-determined location.

The updated protocol for sample collection includes the following changes:

-Doping Control Officers (DCOs) will wear protective gear, including masks and gloves, and will have hand sanitizer available for the processing of the sample.

-Both athletes and DCOs will be expected to wash their hands before testing and maintain a six-foot distance during the process.

-Any DCO that shows any signs of sickness or meets any risk criteria identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will not be allowed to collect samples.

USADA also expects its athletes to continue to file whereabouts to “reflect changes in plans or canceled events.” If an athlete is uncomfortable with testing circumstances or locations, USADA will be “available to assist.”

“While it may be difficult to remember in the midst of all this uncertainty, we trust that the day will arrive—hopefully soon—when we all will celebrate as you inspire us by demonstrating your commitment to fair play and your great skill on the field of play,” USADA CEO Travis Tygart said in an accompanying video statement. “Hopefully, you know that all of us here at USADA are genuinely here to protect your right to a healthy and fair playing field.

“When making decisions about our current testing programs, we are being conservative and cautiously rational as we put your health and well-being and that of our own team, including our doping control officers as the highest priority.”