ASADA advises two Canberra staff members have COVID-19

The Australian Sports Anti-doping Authority (ASADA) have advised that two Canberra staff members have tested positive to COVID-19.

ASADA Chief Executive David Sharpe said the two staff members immediately self-isolated as soon as they became aware that a person they had contact with tested positive to the virus.

Sharpe advised “these staff members are not from our testing team and have not had any contact with athletes during this period.”

All advice and requirements of relevant Health Agencies have been followed, including the isolation of other staff where required.

Sharpe added “ASADA’s response to COVID-19 was well advanced and included the activation of a Business Continuity Plan which dealt with many levels of response, including flexible staff working arrangements.

“All ASADA Canberra office staff are working from home.”

On 16th March ASADA enacted the agency’s business continuity plan in light of the broader actions taken by government on the COVID-19 pandemic. This plan ensures the agency continues to carry out its business for the Australian sporting community.

Sharpe also noted “ASADA’s investment in IT technology ensured all ASADA Canberra office staff could move immediately to a work from home program. This limited the risk of exposure of staff to the virus.”

Sharpe commended the Health authorities for their professionalism and support adding “these are difficult times in our country and our thoughts are with our colleagues and the community as it struggles though this period.

“Like many organisations around the world we are dealing with an unprecedented situation requiring an ability to be agile in the way we make decisions and work. Every day the senior leaders of ASADA meet to assess the latest advice from government and make decisions on how to keep our business operating.

“This latest decision is just an extension of the measures we have put in place to protect staff and athletes alike, while still delivering the services Australians expect of us.”