Two leading news agencies have reported that the French government are considering dramatically reducing the number of people allowed to attend major events in the country by 80%.
BFMTV and Le Parisian have quoted sources saying that officials will meet on Wednesday ahead of an expected announcement concerning tighter restrictions in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is reported that the current rule of allowing up to 5000 people to attend major events will be slashed to just 1000 which will have a significant impact on the French Open which will begin on Sunday.
Roland Garros has already had to reduce their capacity by more than halve within the past month. The French Tennis Federation (FFT) had originally outlined plans for 11,500 fans to attend the tournament with three separate zones being created. The number was then cut down to just 5000 following a government ruling last week.
Reports of further restrictions come amid a rise of coronavirus cases in the country over recent days. On Saturday France recorded 13,500 new cases over a 24-hour period in what is a new record. According to data collected by the John Hopkins University there were 64,721 new cases of the virus in the country between September 13-19, as well as 419 deaths.
The FFT has made no comment on the latest development and are unlikely to do so until there is an official announcement by the government. BFMTV says the local health ministry is planning to hold a weekly update around 7pm local time on Wednesday but it is unclear if any new measures will be announced then.
The uncertainty comes just five days before the French Open main draw is set to get underway on Sunday. Players are being routinely tested both before and throughout the tournament with six people already getting removed from the qualifying draw after they or a close contact of theirs tested positive. Bosnia’s Damir Dzumhur is one of those who have been removed from the tournament after his coach, who previously had the Coronavirus, tested positive. Although 24 hours later he tested negative and Dzumhur is now considering legal action.
A total of €38 million in prize money will be available at the tournament which is a 10.93% decline compared to 12 months ago due to the economic impact of the pandemic.
