This archive report was first published on 9 July 2020.
On July 9, 2020, the US PGA Workday Charity Open kicked off with a unique twist. Three players who had tested positive for COVID-19, Dylan Frittelli from South Africa and Americans Denny McCarthy and Nick Watney, teed off together in the opening round under 'clarified' rules for symptomatic participation.
According to the PGA Tour protocol guidelines, players and caddies who meet the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 'Return to Work' guidelines can return to competition after consulting with infectious disease experts and the PGA's medical advisor, Dr. Tom Hospel.
These guidelines allow for condition returns to competition for players and caddies who continue to test positive for coronavirus if at least 10 days have passed since the symptoms first appeared and 72 hours have passed since fever has disappeared and issues such as cough and shortness of breath have improved.
Dr. Hospel explained, 'In the beginning stages of the illness, that virus is assumed to be active virus that can cause infection, can be contagious.' However, as time passes and symptoms resolve, the theory is that the virus is no longer active or contagious.
Under the revised rules, which came into effect on July 1, an infected player or caddie can return to competition if there are no symptoms displayed once two negative tests are taken at least 24 hours apart.
The CDC and experts note that the tests used by the tour can detect the virus even after the infectious aspect is gone, and a person is no longer contagious. As a precaution, players and caddies who meet the criteria will be grouped together or play alone and have no access to indoor facilities.
According to PGA Tour vice president for administration Andy Levinson, 'They have complied with the guidance from the CDC, they have met the medical requirements for isolation, and with respect to the opinions of our medical advisors, including infectious disease experts and the CDC, they're clear to play.'
