Yesterday, after 72 hours in isolation, everybody at the European Junior Championships (players, entourage, technical officials, volunteers, Badminton Finland officials and Badminton Europe officials) were tested ahead of the tournament start today, and unfortunately one person from the Lithuanian delegation was tested positive for Covid-19.

In accordance with the Covid-19 protocol for the event the Lithuanian team will not take part in the 2020 European Junior Championships.

Taking no chances
The person tested positive was tested twice, and since the second test also came back with a positive testing result, the Lithuanian team and players will not be able to participate in the event.

The entire team has been isolated since the result of the first test in accordance with the Covid-19 protocol for the event.

- We knew there was a risk, and we have all the time been prepared in case this unfortunate situation would occur. All teams knew about the protocols before the event, and everybody has adhered to it so far. We can and will not take any chances and therefore all precautions are taken in order for everyone else at the event to remain safe, Deputy General Secretary, Jimmy Andersen stated.

Feel sorry for the team
Andersen is on site in Finland, and he sends his best wishes to the entire Lithuanian delegation.

- We all have great sympathy for the players coming here to compete at a European Championships and now not being able to. Nobody wanted this to happen, but we knew there was a risk given the current climate all around Europe. On the other hand, I am pleased to see that everyone else (over 300 being tested yesterday) was tested negative, and that we can begin the event today as anticipated.

The 2020 European Junior Team Championships begins today at 13.00 (CET)