Five people who landed in Israel for the Grand Slam judo tournament have tested borderline positive for the coronavirus, the Health Ministry announced.
A borderline positive answer means someone was previously sick with the coronavirus, and such a result is common among those recovering, according to the ministry. In light of the find, the group will remain in isolation at a coronavirus hotel until further tests are carried out, and will only be admitted to perform in the tournament if negative test results are received.
However, if results turn back positive, the group will remain in isolation.
An additional five people employed by the sport competition tested positive, but did not come in contact with any of the athletes or other delegation participants.
The event is slated to take place from February 18 to 20.
In December, Tel Aviv was selected to host the Grand Slam, which is considered to be the last qualifying tournament prior to the Summer Olympics. Despite the Ben-Gurion Airport shut down, teams arrived earlier this week, including Iranian judoka Saeid Mollaei who fled Iran after receiving threats and will represent the country of Mongolia in the upcoming event.
The tournament was designed to meet stringent coronavirus regulations and was permitted by the Health Ministry before Israel closed its borders.
To attempt to ensure that the coronavirus does not spread, each athlete was tested both before and after arriving in Israel, and the tournament will be held with social distancing and without an audience.