JADCO and the Coronavirus

unit that will be one of two such anti-doping mobile units that exists in the world, operated by a National Anti-Doping Organisation. So Jamaica has now introduced the unit and the only other National Anti-Doping Organisation in the world that has a similar unit is the Japan Anti-Doping Agency, so we are very proud to be one of two.”

Chairman of JADCO, Alexander Williams also said, “I am pleased to announce that the deployment of this mobile unit will expand the testing capacity of the Commission. It will also improve the service we provide and enable us to travel across the island to test Jamaican athletes in a secure environment that meets the required international standards.” JADCO’s Sample Collection Personnel adhering to safety protocols by wearing Personal Protective Equipment on a doping control mission. Member of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), Megan Tapper said, “I am super impressed with the JADCO bus. I am happy that our government and our anti-doping agency is looking to the future and making us world leaders not only on the track but in anti-doping.”

JADCO was formally established in 2008 to execute the national anti-doping programme in accordance with the standards stipulated by the international governing body, the World Anti-Doping Agency. JADCO’s mission is to foster a dope free environment in Jamaica that promotes the ethics and spirit of sport through education, testing, advocacy and coordination

of an effective anti-doping programme in Jamaica. As we continue to adapt to the changes occurring worldwide as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission has implemented several measures to protect athletes and support personnel. Earlier in the year we were forced to cancel and postpone several face to face workshops and booth set up at sporting events.

During the month of September we began implementing virtual anti-doping education workshops via the Zoom platform. Already we have educated over 60 persons from federations and associations including, Jamaica Cricket Association, SprinTec Track Club, Jamaica Amateur Softball Association, Jamaica Football Federation and the Jamaica Baseball Association. Throughout the remainder of the year we will be conducting more of these sessions. If you are interested in participating in these workshops send us an email at commed@jadco.gov.jm.

In regards to doping control, the Commission has implemented several safety measures to protect the health and safety of all athletes and support personnel, as we continue to execute the sample collection process during the coronavirus pandemic.

All our Sample Collection Personnel have been equipped with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for conducting doping control missions and are now required to do the following: y Complete the JADCO COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire y Follow the general COVID-19 Testing Guidelines y Wear Personal Protective Equipment such as face masks and gloves throughout the sample collection process y Sanitise surfaces used for testing y Practice social distancing during testing, when practical and possible y Wash/sanitise their hands