The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announced that it has continued to advise the various Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) around the world to prioritize health and safety as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread and entire countries remain in lockdown. But while organizers of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games insist that there is "no need to take the drastic action" of postponing the Games, WADA is monitoring anti-doping controls to detect "gaps" in testing. [Outside of China, the number of Covid-19 cases caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 outnumbers those in China, where nearly 90% of confirmed cases have recovered or died, and fewer than 9,000 people are still suffering from respiratory illness. In Italy, the country with the second highest number of infected, only 10% of the 27,000 infected have recovered.

It is unclear whether the restrictions on movement are preventing the ADO from collecting anti-doping samples, but people are advised to stay at least 2 meters away from each other to prevent the spread of the virus.

"In line with the March 6 recommendation, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) maintains its advice to Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) around the world regarding the agency's approach to monitoring the integrity of anti-doping testing in light of COVID-19 and recommends that ADOs control programs, and stresses the importance of prioritizing health and safety while protecting the integrity of those programs," WADA said Monday.

"As the global situation evolves, WADA continues to assess the situation particularly carefully as to how a pandemic could impact the conduct of global anti-doping testing activities. It is essential that all ADOs follow the advice of local health authorities in order to adequately protect Athletes and Doping Control Personnel while safeguarding the integrity of the Doping Control Program, particularly in the lead-up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The IOC issued a statement on Tuesday urging athletes to continue to prepare as best they can, stating that "the IOC is fully committed to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and there is no need to make any drastic decisions at this stage with over four months until the Games and any speculation at this stage is counterproductive.

Spanish cyclists have been banned from training on public roads, while Italian cyclists face harassment despite being given an exception.

"WADA will closely monitor inspection activities in all areas affected by COVID-19 to detect possible inspection 'gaps' that need to be addressed," the WADA statement said. "If it is determined that testing for athletes in higher risk areas is not being conducted or is at reduced levels, this information will be communicated to the International Olympic Committee, the International Paralympic Committee, and other ADOs where major events will be held in the coming months. . This includes the Tokyo Pre-Olympic Games Task Force led by the International Inspection Organization.

IOC President Thomas Bach said: "The health and well-being of all those involved in the preparations for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games is our primary concern. Every measure is being taken to protect the safety and interests of athletes, coaches and support teams. We are an Olympic community, supporting each other in good times and in difficult times. It is this Olympic solidarity that defines us as a community.