USA relaxes entry restrictions for professional athletes
The US government wants certain foreign professional athletes to return to the United States.
by SID / tennisnet
last edit: May 24, 2020, 04:49 pm
This was announced by the Ministry of Homeland Security on Friday (local time). "Today's Americans need their sport. It's time to reopen the economy and let our professional athletes get to work," Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said.
Wolf signed an order that foreign professional athletes, including their essential support staff and their families, may enter the United States despite the applicable corona restrictions. This should apply to athletes from the MLB baseball league, the NHL ice hockey league, the NBA and WNBA basketball leagues, and to tennis and golf professionals.
Professional sports events would bring the much-needed economic benefits, but would also strengthen "the pride of society and national unity," said Wolf.
So far, it is unclear what impact this decision will have on the US Open or the US hard court season. The major tournament in Flushing Meadows has so far held its staging from August 31. In mid-June, however, they wanted to determine whether this would happen. Discussions include a cancellation, a staging with or without a small number of spectators, as well as a time or location relocation.