KBO has released an integrated response manual for the 2021 novel coronavirus infection (Corona 19).
Following last year’s postseason, KBO decided to run the league as a substitute player in the event of a corona19 confirmed in the league in this regular season. In last year’s regular season, if a confirmed case occurs in the 1st team, it was possible to decide to suspend the league based on the results of an epidemiological investigation, but this season, it will be operated without interruption as a substitute player excluding those subject to self-quarantine. However, if it is judged that there is a significant impact on the normal progress of the league, such as failure to register for an entry, it will be decided whether or not to stop the league at the request of the emergency executive committee and the board of directors.
According to last year’s regular season operating guidelines, if the league is decided to stop due to a confirmed case, it is inevitable to postpone the league schedule for at least three weeks due to self-isolation and conditioning, and there will be a break in the Tokyo Olympics this season.
Instead, the quarantine guidelines were further strengthened. It includes wearing masks, keeping social distances from the athletes, and managing quarantine in spectators.
The KBO Integrated Manual played a big role in the safe operation of the league last year. Other sports leagues at home and abroad, such as the U.S., Japan’s professional baseball, and Europe, also officially requested KBO manuals to be provided and referenced them in the production of their own manuals.
KBO supplemented the integrated manual through the Corona 19 Response Task Force (TF) in which external experts participated, and went through in-depth discussions with each club.
During the game, it is mandatory to wear a mask in all areas of the stadium except the ground. In addition, cases of non-wearing masks will be detected and sanctioned through an emergency inspection. You must wear a mask for events and commemorative photos on the ground.
Like last season, the pitcher cannot share the rosinback. Spitball where the pitcher spit on the ball is strictly prohibited in accordance with the Official Baseball Rule 6.02(c)(6). Bench clearing, where multiple physical contact may occur, is also strictly prohibited.
Squad distance guidelines have also been reinforced. It is recommended to follow the guidelines for limiting the number of private meetings and refrain from meeting with other team members and outsiders.
In the event of an emergency, the response manual has been established more elaborately. Individual response guidelines such as inspection, quarantine, and resumption of activities according to the situation, resuming after closing and disinfection of the stadium, suspension, cancellation of the game, and exit from the crowd were detailed according to various possible situations.
The strikeout system is applied to spectators who do not comply with the quarantine rules. Even after the two warnings, if they do not comply with the guidelines, they will be dismissed.
Reporter Lee Hyung-seok