Using tracking data to measure the exposure to interpersonal contact: a tool to manage the impact of the Covid-19 quarantine in sport environments

Abstract

Objective: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the temporary closure of physical activity and sports facilities, and the generalized cancellation or postponement of sports events at in- ternational, regional, and national levels had a massive impact on social and economic development. In the current study, we explored tracking data during a football match to analyze if football can be considered as an activity with high exposure to interpersonal contact, by calculating two measures of respiratory exposure through interpersonal con- tact during a football match. Methods: The dynamic tracking positioning of all players and referees during one inter- national football match was analyzed. For each individual, two measures of respiratory exposure were calculated, based on the 2m interpersonal distance recommendations for contact tracing for COVID-19 control. Results: Overall, individuals spent a median of 0:12 mm:ss (IQR=0:45 mm:ss) exposed to interpersonal contact of fewer than 2m from others. The highest value of exposure obser- ved between players was 6:35 mm:ss. For referees, the time of exposure was well distri- buted among both teams. The referee presented a median of 2:19 mm:ss (IQR=2:46 mm:ss) of exposure to contact with others, and 1:55 mm:ss (IQR=3:01 mm:ss) in exposing the others to contact with himself. The assistant referees presented very low values of time of expo- sure to interpersonal contact. Conclusion: The results of the present study revealed that football does not seem to be an activity with high exposure to interpersonal contact for SARS-CoV-2 respiratory trans- mission. The measures of exposure can be used to the prompt identification of contacts of a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 during a football match and a training ses- sion with different levels of risk exposure, and thus, to intervene and interrupt further onward SARS-CoV-2 transmission.