The FIA plans to continue holding its annual Gala in Rwanda in December, despite the World Health Organization (WHO) advising against traveling to the country due to an outbreak of Marburg virus.
Motorsport’s governing body will host its annual party in Kigali on December 13 to present this year’s FIA awards and celebrate its 120th anniversary. The event sees the official presentation of trophies to the winners of the FIA championships and the annual presence of the Formula 1 winners is mandatory.
Lewis Hamilton was in fact fined for missing the 2021 event following the controversy over the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Article 6.9 of the F1 Sporting Regulations states that: “A representative of the competitor placing first in the Constructors’ Championship and of the drivers placing first, second and third in the Drivers’ Championship must be present at the annual awards ceremony of the FIA”.
FIA flag
Photo by: Eric Gilbert
However, organizing this year’s FIA Awards Gala, which attracts delegates and guests from around the world, may face some logistical challenges with Rwanda now at the center of a virus outbreak. Late last month, the Rwandan Ministry of Health declared the first confirmed cases of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in the country.
The latest data published by the Rwandan Ministry of Health on October 8 shows that there are now 58 confirmed cases and 13 deaths in the country. This is one of the largest ever confirmed outbreaks of the disease and the government is now moving together with the WHO to contain the situation.
A WHO statement updated on September 30 said that: “WHO assesses the risk of this outbreak as very high at the national level, high at the regional level and low at the global level. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the outbreak and this risk assessment will be updated as further information is received.”
While measures are being taken in Rwanda to limit the spread of the disease, the WHO added: “Based on the current risk assessment, WHO advises against any restrictions on travel and trade with Rwanda.”
However, the WHO has avoided imposing a total travel ban, while the British Foreign Office simply recommends that travelers avoid close contact with symptomatic people. In fact, Rwanda’s main tourist attractions are functioning normally.
The AFI is in contact with government agencies to monitor developments, but says plans for the Gala are not currently compromised. An FIA spokesperson said: “We are monitoring the situation closely in collaboration with the Rwandan Ministry of Health. We are currently proceeding as planned.”
Max Verstappen, FIA Formula One World Champion, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA
Photo by: FIA
Marburg virus, clinically similar to Ebola, can cause fatal hemorrhagic fever and has a mortality rate of 88%. There is currently no treatment, but healthcare workers are being given a trial vaccine.
People are initially infected after coming into contact with the Rousettus bat, but the disease spreads between humans through direct contact – including the blood, secretions, organs or other body fluids of infected people.
To prevent the spread of the disease internationally, passengers departing Rwanda were asked to complete a screening questionnaire to report any symptoms. Anyone who has been in contact with a confirmed case must quarantine for at least 21 days and until they are free of symptoms.
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