The PUBG Mobile Grand Finals have been forced online after three players tested positive for Covid-19 upon arrival in Dubai. The news comes as a blow, only days before the event was slated to kick off. PUBG Mobile has announced in a press conference that the event will continue online, with players in isolation.
In today’s press conference, PUBG Mobile Global Esports Director James Yang delivered the fateful news. The press conference was originally slated to cover the future of the esports brand, but instead served to provide updates on this week’s finals. The update was regrettable, to say the least.
In his statement to the press, Yang confirmed that all positive-tested players are in quarantine, along with close contacts. More importantly, Yang stated that so far, all players were well, healthy, and showing no symptoms of Covid-19. PUBG Mobile will be providing all required assistance, including healthcare facilitation to all affected players.
In response to queries made by EarlyGame, James Yang explained that all standard Covid-19 procedures and regulations were in place. These include all expected social distancing measures, temperature checks, and daily Covid-19 testing.
Regrettably, all players are to perform in isolation, rather than on the Dubai stage, something Yang expressed regret over, reiterating that “Health and safety remain a top priority for us.” The decision to shift to an online tournament was a difficult one to make.
“It’s really hard to prevent 100%, even though we tested. We want to bring fans the very best but will continue in isolation… we appreciate your patience and understanding at this time.”
Covid-19 continues to rage across the globe, with many European countries now firmly in their second wave of the pandemic.
“It is not easy. They took hours to come to Dubai, and now they are quarantining. But still, it is for the best.”
The decision to move online was clearly regrettable, and a very troublesome one for James Yang, who has assured EarlyGame that the esports company will do all that they can to ensure the health and safety of their players. In light of these events, and the decision to move online, Yang reiterated that “we can still really make this event special”.
We certainly expect that the finals will still be a memorable and high-class event, and will certainly be tuning in. EarlyGame reaches out to all players and staff affected by these unfortunate circumstances and wish them the best of health and a continued and successful future for PUBG Mobile Esports.
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