What is a bio-bubble in sports and how does it function? Here is an explainer

The coronavirus pandemic has decimated countries, with the likes of USA, Brazil, India and many countries bearing the brunt. India, in particular, is in the middle of a devastating second wave. Every day, there are close to 4 lakh cases. At the same time, there is the Indian Premier League that is taking place. However, the players are safe as they are in the bio-bubble. What exactly is the bio-bubble? What is the functioning? How does each player get into the bio-bubble and what are the dynamics?

Here, we provide an explainer as to how bio-bubbles function. What are the sports that have included the concept of the bio-bubble? All the information that one needs is provided here. 

Why was the concept of a bio-bubble created?

The coronavirus pandemic had stopped all sporting actions. Players were at risk of infection if they continued to function according to the old normal. Thus, a ‘new normal’ had to be created. In this case, a bio-bubble environment was created so that sporting personalities can be at low risk of infection. 

Which are the sports that have initiated the bio-bubble?

NBA, Cricket, Football and Tennis are the sports which have initiated the bio-bubble. This was created in 2020 when the coronavirus pandemic spread throughout the world.

What exactly is the bio-bubble?

A bio-bubble is a sanitized area that can be accessed only by a certain set of people. Sports people, backroom support staff of the teams and other officials are the people that can get into the bio-bubble. In other exceptions, families of players and officials can also get access to the bio-bubble.

What location or landmark determines the bio-bubble?

When teams and players travel, they are put up in hotels. It is thus obvious that hotels are the default isolated space. If the distance from the bubble to the stadium is less, it is an added advantage. 

What is the protocol before entering the bio-bubble?

Before every player enters the bio-bubble, they will have to undergo a mandatory RT-PCR Test. If they clear that, they will be regularly tested for COVID-19. Until the results of the test are not declared, they will have to stay in the rooms. No outsiders will be allowed at any point of time in the bubble.

What are the quarantine rules?

It depends on the Standard Operating Procedures set out by the Government or by the Boards of the respective countries. In Australia for example, players had to undergo a seven-day quarantine period. In India, it is the same. 

Hold on, is there a concept of bubble to bubble transfer?

Yes, there is. In the UAE, when teams and players were there for the IPL, they were in a secure bio-bubble. When they had to go to Australia, they were being transferred from one bubble to another. This involved special chartered flights for players. 

But, why was Rohit Sharma subject to a hard quarantine when he was in the IPL bubble?

This was a complicated one. Rohit Sharma was in the IPL 2020 bio-bubble but was injured. He did not fly directly to Australia. He was in the NCA for a month where he underwent treatment for a hamstring injury. Since he had come out of the bubble and was travelling to another bubble, he was considered an outsider. In Australia, the rule at that time was anyone entering the country had to undergo a mandatory 14-day hard quarantine.

What are the functioning of the bio-bubble?

Within the bio-bubble, there are certain designated points where teams can meet and cannot. Team meetings are conducted in a hall with adequate social distancing. If that permission is not given, then they will have to conduct team meetings by Zoom, Teams or other such devices. Players are not allowed to mingle or crowd about in the bio-bubble. 

Different zones will be created for franchise team members, match officials, cricket operations teams, ground staff, broadcast teams, hotel staff and security personnel. 

Every entity must remain in their allotted zones. Medical teams – including physio and masseurs units – are mandated to don PPE kits while coming in contact with the players. IPL teams staying in different hotels are advised to order food to their individual rooms and avoid common areas. Physical distancing and masks are a must, even while interacting with others within their bubble

Is there an element of technology involved?

According to an Indian Express report, each player is required to wear a Bluetooth band at all times. If the person comes to within two meters of someone, then the band flashes. In the US Open Tennis tournament, there was an RFID code in the Accreditation card. This was primarily used to contact trace individuals. 

What are the names of the companies involved in building the bio-bubble?

In India, SenseGiz is the only company that has provided bio-bubble solutions to International tournaments. The Road Safety World Series and the India vs England Test series was managed by SenseGiz. During the England series against West Indies, UK-based Restrata had installed Bluetooth technology in stadiums to track and trace. 

Does this impact players?

Yes, it does. The prolonged stay in the bio-bubble, cut off from the outside world for a period of three months does take a mental toll. There are several players who have withdrawn from tournaments due to bio-bubble fatigue.