The excitement around the last major of the year, the US Open, is building up. The fans are keen to see the budding talent and the old talent clash against each other for the final glory. However, recently, concerning news has popped up, which puts the well-being of the players in jeopardy. After the COVID-19 pandemic, this health concern has raised apprehensions about the hard-court major.

Players like Novak Djokovic will be participating at the US Open after the halt for two years. He is undoubtedly one of the favorites at this year’s US Open. However, it seems like he and other players will have to take extra precautions to secure a safe run.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, a new health outbreak concerns the safety of tennis players at the US Open 

The hard-court major is scheduled to take place from August 28th onwards. However, the usual residence of the players, the InterContinental New York Barclay, is reportedly infested with severe bacterial disease.

Recently, an investigation led authorities to find out that the official tournament hotel’s water system has traces of Legionella bacteria, as reported by the Telegraph. The issue with the bacteria is that it can cause a potentially deadly form of pneumonia. The symptoms include developing a cough, shortness of breath, chest pains, and fever. However, only one out of ten people is susceptible to the fatal end of the disease. Nonetheless, it is a huge number considering it is the official residence of the players competing at the US Open.

Fortunately, the last two tests have come out negative for the presence of bacteria at the hotel. Nonetheless, US Open authorities have assured that players who stay apprehensive about the situation can stay at the hotel of their liking. However, they have to adhere to the usual $600 per diem bar.

The authorities have warned vulnerable people. These include people above the age of 50, who have a lung disease or weakened immune system to abstain from using the showers.

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This is because the bacteria infiltrate the body through droplets of water containing the bacteria. This includes air conditioning and condensation due to showers.

How did the major authorities get to know about the outbreak? 

The concerning fact is that the US Open authorities stayed in the dark about the issue for a long time. It was only after the Telegraph Sport approached the hotel for a comment on the issue that it came to the limelight. Eventually, the US Open authorities engaged Dr. Bernard Camins, who previously was in charge of implementing COVID-19 protocols.

The hotel is now safe to use by the players taking part in the US Open. Nonetheless, US Open authorities have agreed to assist those who want to have a different residence during their run at the major.

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