MLW’s chief medical physician Dr. Sweglar spoke with MLW.com about the road ahead for Major League Wrestling during the COVID-19 pandemic as fans and MLW athletes clamor for a restart.
“We’ve seen some sports league find success while some have struggled this summer with their restarts,” said Dr. Sweglar. “Our approach has been to be as careful as possible in evaluating the league’s timeline to a return to competition.”
Earlier this week Dr. Sweglar was in Baltimore at Johns Hopkins University discussing advances in treatment for the virus and procedures in the sports world for operating with a safe environment.
While progress has been made in tests and treatments, a vaccine still leaves many questions.
“A vaccine is a tool, of sorts, to control the virus,” continued Dr. Sweglar. “There is great possibility the vaccine won’t be 98% effective and could perhaps be as low as 50% effective, which would be the floor for FDA approval. There’s also an outside possibility efficacy alludes us for some time.”
Dr. Sweglar cautioned there is a possibility there is no silver bullet for the virus but with social distancing, proper operational protocols, testing, tracing and improved treatments, he is cautiously optimistic for a return for the league.
“There is a possibility the virus may never be eliminated. But we can bring the virus to low levels, which would end the pandemic and allow this to be more controlled.”
Dr. Sweglar continues to work with advisors in the medical field as they keep the league informed on the road to a restart.
