The World Surf League (WSL) suspended the 2020 Billabong Pipe Masters due to positive Covid-19 tests within its WSL staff.
Erik Logan, CEO of WSL, tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
"We prioritize the safety of the athletes, staff, and surrounding community, and we're working closely and transparently with the Hawaii State Department of Health to determine the next steps," the WSL informs.
According to WSL's Covid-19 safety plan, anyone who tests positive must self-isolate until he or she is cleared.
WSL also stresses that the contact tracing protocols have been fully implemented.
"We do not believe that any athletes have been exposed and will continue to execute the safety protocols," adds the professional surfing circuit.
WSL's Health Protocols
The 2020 Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons is celebrating its 50th edition.
After nearly a year since the last Championship Tour (CT) event, the world's best male surfers arrived on Oahu's Seven-Mile Miracle to kick off the tour.
WSL confirms that they've worked collaboratively with state and county officials to hold the Pipe Masters as "a non-spectator film production."
Logan and his team say they followed all Covid-19 health and safety procedures and guidelines.
The protocol includes the multiple testing of athletes and staff, temperature checks, minimal personnel on-site, physical distancing measures, and the frequent disinfecting of common areas.
"WSL adopted the standards that are in place for the entire film industry in Hawaii. They were developed using the best practices by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with close consultation with medical experts," underlines WSL.
WSL created no spectator activities at Ehukai Beach Park and a non-spectator zone for the four days of competition under guidelines set by the City and County of Honolulu.
The competition window for the 2020 Billabong Pipe Masters runs from December 8-20. It remains unclear if it will be resumed or canceled.