Russian Anti-Doping Agency suspends testing amid coronavirus outbreak

Move comes after president Vladimir Putin told Russians, except those working in essential sectors, to stay home next week

The Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) is suspending all tests for 10 days in response to measures implemented by the government to fight the coronavirus.

The move comes after president Vladimir Putin told Russians, except those working in essential sectors, to stay home next week.

RUSADA deputy CEO Margarita Pahnotskaya told The Associated Press the testing suspension covers a longer period because of the risk of staff being stranded away from home.

Tests stopped Friday and will resume on 6 April.

Pakhnotskaya also said the World Anti-Doping Agency has been notified.

“We studied all the consequences and agreed we should follow the order,” she said.

“And it was agreed with WADA. I wrote them a letter yesterday.”

Earlier this month, World Athletics said a maximum of 10 Russian track and field athletes would be allowed to compete at the Tokyo Olympics after the country’s federation admitted multiple breaches of the sport’s anti-doping code.

Since then, the Games, which were meant to take place this summer, have been postponed until 2021.

AP