The ISU is continually monitoring the sanitary and entry conditions in countries hosting ISU Events, as well as travel restrictions around the World. In regard to the ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships 2022 scheduled to be held on March 7-13, 2022, the ISU has been alerted to a potentially high number of Covid-19 infections among participants, and also local organizers, due to the Omricon wave which is expected to peak in Bulgaria during the scheduled period of the Championships. The ISU furthermore noted that the currently valid entry restrictions to Bulgaria could seriously complicate the entry into the country of participants from certain countries and age groups. Finally, the ISU acknowledged the currently valid, rigorous quarantine requirements in the case of positive or close contact cases, which is a particularly sensitive matter for a Junior Event that includes minors.
Unfortunately, considering the above-mentioned complicated epidemic situation, the ISU Council decided that the Event cannot be held as planned on March 7-13, 2022 in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Mindful that the 2021 edition of this Junior World Championships also had to be cancelled, with the potential result of Junior Skaters not being able to compete at the World Championships level for two consecutive seasons, and with the perspective of an easing pandemic situation during the Spring, the ISU Council is currently evaluating the feasibility of postponing the Event until May 2022. Consultation is ongoing with the Bulgarian Skating Federation and the participating ISU Members as to their intentions for participation in case of a postponement until May. A decision is expected by the next online ISU Council meeting, scheduled for February 24, 2022.
The ISU regrets that the staging of the Event is not possible as planned and thanks the Bulgarian Skating Federation for their efforts and cooperation and the participating ISU Members for their understanding.
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