Here you may find a list of answers on questions regarding practical issues in relation to the imposed locdown rules in Latvia. For any further questions please contact us at grandswiss@fide.com.
There will also be an information desk at the lobby of the hotel, where players can ask questions and seek assistance in person.
- Will the wearing of facemasks be compulsory for players during the games?
The wearing of facemasks during play is not compulsory. Players and everyone at the playing venue will have been tested for COVID-19, and the tests will be repeated throughout the tournament according to a previously published schedule (see the Health Protocol). However, if it will make players feel safer, they are free to wear a facemask during play. - Will the shaking of hands between players be allowed or banned?
The shaking of hands between players before and after the games is allowed. However, it is up to the players themselves to decide if they feel comfortable shaking hands or not. Whatever approach they choose, the players must demonstrate good sportsmanship and behave accordingly to their opponents. - Will the players have to wear facemasks when not sitting at their table (for example, when they go to the toilet or to look at other games, or when inside the venue but not at their table)?
Players are not obliged to wear facemasks when going around the designated playing venue during their games. However, they should respect those who do wear masks and practice social distancing whenever possible and follow other health and safety measures set by the Organisers and outlined in the Health Protocol. Upon returning to the board, the players should sanitise their hands before touching the pieces. After finishing their game, the players are to leave the playing venue and wear facemasks. -
What should a player do if they start feeling unwell during their game?
If a player starts feeling unwell during the game, they should immediately speak with the Medical Officer who will be present and notify the arbiters. A decision will be made following the consultations with the player and the medical staff. - How often will the playing venue be sanitised?
The playing venue will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitised daily. This will include sanitising pieces before the games. - Will there be facemasks and sanitisers at the event?
Yes, the Organisers will provide facemasks and sanitisers for all those present at the venue and they will be freely available. - Is there a limit to the number of people who can stand together/walk as a group inside the venue or on their way to/from the venue?
No more than two-three people should stand closer together unless it is necessary for them to do so (for example, when discussing something with the arbiters). The players should practise social distancing (keeping two metres apart) whenever reasonably possible, either at the venue or outside and not go together in groups. - Are the players allowed to have contacts with journalists?
Due to the restrictions and the overall situation in Latvia, FIDE has limited the number of journalists who will have access or be present. As all other participants, the members of the media who will be present at the venue will be previously tested. Journalists will be strongly encouraged to wear facemasks when approaching players as well as to keep at a distance. While we want to promote the event to a global audience, the health and safety of players and participants are paramount. We ask players to behave accordingly to achieve both. - Are the players allowed to have contact with anyone outside of the tournament?
The players are not allowed to socialise with anyone outside the secure epidemiological bubble which is confined to the venue and the hotel. - If a game ends after the curfew starts (at 8 PM), how can the payers return to the hotel?
Players can return to the hotel by official transport or on foot without hindrance. When returning, they must follow a reasonable, shortest route to the hotel. Players must carry with them the special accreditation (which will be issued by the Organisers) confirming their participation in the tournament.
- Is the wearing of facemasks compulsory outside of the hotel (when going for a walk or to/from the playing venue)?
The wearing of facemasks outside is not compulsory. However, if it will make players feel safer, they are free to wear a facemask outside. - Is the wearing of facemasks compulsory inside the hotel?
The wearing of facemasks is compulsory on all the premises of the hotel. This does not apply when the players are eating or in their rooms while not being in contact with/exposed to others.
- Are the players allowed to socialise inside the hotel?
The players are allowed to socialise with others who are inside the epidemiological bubble, providing they do so reasonably and in line with the health and safety measures.The open-air lounge area with heaters will work from 8 PM untill 11 PM, outside these hours the players are also welcome there. The lounge area at 11th floor (with chess sets, coffee, water, soft drinks) will be open all the time.
- Are the players allowed to go out of the hotel freely between 5 AM and 8 PM?
Yes, the players and their staff are allowed to leave the hotel for a walk between 5 AM and 8 PM when the curfew is not in place, providing that they practice social distancing and do not visit shops and other venues, meet with others or use public transport. - Is the use of public transport such as busses or trams allowed to the players and their team members?
For the sake of maintaining a safe epidemiological bubble, players and their team members are not allowed to use public transport. Players will be provided with official transport to and from the venue. The players may also walk from the hotel to the venue, which will take about 10 minutes. - If the players want to go somewhere, can they use the local taxi service or will this be provided by the organiser?
If there is a need for the players to go somewhere which requires transportation, they should contact the organisers. The players can only use transportation provided by the organisers.
- Where will the players have their meals?
The meals are provided in the official hotel. Upon arrival and until the results of the first PCR test (on the 26th October) food will be provided to the players in their rooms. The room service format will also be provided in case of the late end of the round or upon the request of the player for health and safety prevention.Mealtimes:
Breakfast 7.30-10.30;
Lunch 11.30-13.30;
Dinner 19.00-22.00 (but players can stay until 22.30)There will be various meals, including vegetarian (other dietary requirements will also be accommodated upon prior request).
- Can the players go to the grocery shops to buy food, snacks or drinks?
To reduce the number of contacts and maintain the safety of the epidemiological bubble, players are not allowed to go to visit grocery shops or any other shops. If a player does need something from the shops, they should get in touch with the Organizing Committee and it will be provided.
Here is a list of popular delivery apps and services which are available:
– Bolt food – https://food.bolt.eu/lv-lv/ (available at Google Play and App Store) – you can order food from restaurants and groceries (for example – Bolt Market)
– Wolt – https://wolt.com/lv/discovery?tab=featured ) (available at Google Play and App Store) – you can order food from restaurants and groceries (for example, Rimi)
– Nuko (groceries, including alcohol) – https://nuko.lv/
– Barbora (groceries, including alcohol) https://barbora.lv/
– Beverages – https://www.alko.lv/
– Pharmacy – https://www.e-menessaptieka.lv/en
– Beauty/hygiene – https://www.drogas.lv/lv/ and https://www.douglas.lv/
Restaurants:
– Ganbei https://www.ganbei.lv/?l=en
– Bambook Lounge https://lounge.bambook.cafe/
– Sushi Club https://www.sushiclub.lv/en/
– Erebuni https://www.erebuni.lv/en
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Do players have the right to go to other stores?
Non-essential stores and shops will be closed during the four-week lockdown which has started on 21st October. For any needs, players should contact:Aleksandra +37122319814 (phone calls and texts, Whatsapp, Telegram)
Nadezhda +371 23660444 (phone calls and texts), +380 509064461 (Whatsapp)
- Can the players go to restaurants?
The players are not allowed to go to restaurants. No restaurants will be open during the four-week lockdown which has started on 21st October. However, many of them provide a delivery service that the players can use. - If a player feels unwell, regardless if it’s covid-related, who should they contact?
The players and staff who don’t feel well should immediately self-isolate, follow the procedures from the Health Protocol, contact the Medical Officer and strictly follow their advice. The Medical Officer of the tournament is Karina Avisane +371 27138371.
- What should players/team members do in case they have Covid-19symptomss?
If a player has Covid-19 symptoms or tests positive they must immediately self-isolate in their room, contact the Medical Officer and wait for further instructions. In case a longer self-isolation is necessary, the hotel and Organizers will provide all the essentials and catering services to the room.
- If a player has a personal emergency, who should they contact?
In case of a personal emergency, the players should contact the Organisers and provide all the necessary information. The Organisers will do their best to ensure that the needs and safety of players are cared for in the best possible way.For any needs, players should contact:
Aleksandra +37122319814 (phone calls and texts, Whatsapp, Telegram)
Nadezhda +371 23660444 (phone calls and texts), +380 509064461 (Whatsapp)For further questions please contact us at grandswiss@fide.com. There will also be an information desk at the lobby of the hotel, where players can ask questions and seek assistance in person.
Please be sure to check the Health Protcol outlining all the health and safety measures and regulations in detail.