The Turkish Taekwondo Federation have released details of coronavirus protocols for the Turkish Open ©TTF

Organisers of the Turkish Open, a Grade One rated competition sanctioned by World Taekwondo, have announced details of coronavirus protocols for the event in Istanbul, scheduled to take place from March 10 to 16.

All members of participating teams must stay in an official hotel, with a system being put in place to ensure anyone connected with the competition is isolated from members of the public also using the hotel.

Protective masks that cover the nose and mouth are required to be worn in hotels, except when eating, on transport and at the venue, except when competing.

All competitors are required to stay in their hotel room one day before competing, and athletes are required to stay in their rooms until their competition category starts.

After this point competitors can, accompanied by their coach, enter the warm-up area no more than 25 minutes before their fight.

Action at the Turkish Open Taekwondo Tournament is scheduled to take place across the senior, junior and cadet categories in Istanbul ©Getty Images
Action at the Turkish Open Taekwondo Tournament is scheduled to take place across the senior, junior and cadet categories in Istanbul ©Getty Images

Medal ceremonies are due to take place after fights are completed in each category and masks must be worn by both the athlete and those presenting medals.

Other safety measures inside the arena include the disinfection of the tatami mat between categories and the disinfecting of helmets and body protectors after fights.

Action is scheduled to take place in the senior, junior and cadet categories for both men and women, with all competition taking place behind closed doors.

In a pre-tournament message Turkish Taekwondo Federation President Dr Metin Sahin said: "We guarantee high quality organisation and competition - with the best international referees in order to guarantee maximum transparency, fair play and impartiality for the athletes.

"On behalf of the Organising Committee, we would like to ensure that we will make every possible effort in organising a successful tournament of the highest technical level."

Turkey has recorded more than 2.7 million cases of coronavirus, with more than 28,700 cases reported.