The International Skating Union (ISU) Grand Prix Final continues to be planned to take place on schedule from December 9 to 12 in Osaka, Japan but in a bubble format.
Following the decision by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to prohibit entry into Japan for foreigners starting at midnight on November 30 – due to the new strain of COVID-19 – a concern for the upcoming figure skating competition arose. Nevertheless, the Japan Skating Federation said, “We will proceed with preparations while adhering to infection control measures in line with the government’s policy.”
The bubble format has become common over the last two years in sports – referring to an area within which athletes remain isolated from the general public.
Alexander Kogan, General Director of the Figure Skating Federation of Russia, told RIA Novosti, “We are waiting for the decision of the Japanese and ISU.” Participants from Russia are scheduled to arrive in Japan on December 6.
The Skating Times 