The athletes who will take part in the Tokyo Olympic Games in the summer can get ready for a daily coronation test. This is stated in the strict rules that were announced on Wednesday. A decision on any spectators in the stands has been postponed until June.
The athletes at the Olympic Games in Tokyo next summer, between 23 July and 8 August, will be tested daily for the coronavirus. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has just announced this. Originally, the plan was to test the athletes every 4 days, but the protocol was changed on Wednesday.
It starts even earlier. Already before their trip to Tokyo, everyone must be able to present two negative tests. In addition, the participants must also download location apps and pass on their schedule as best they can. The tightening was launched Wednesday at the same time as the new 'Playbooks', the manuals with strict coronation measures for all attendees at the Games.
The athletes will also have to wear a mouth mask as often as possible in Tokyo. Only when eating, sleeping, drinking or during an interview will the mask be removed. Sports can of course be done without. Participants have to stay in their Olympic bubble as much as possible. Tourist trips, shopping in the city or visiting restaurants are not allowed. Public transport is also not (immediately) permitted.
IOC President Thomas Bach called the 'Playbooks' "a sign of solidarity and respect from the Olympic community for the Japanese host". Those who do not abide by the rules may lose their tickets and thus be excluded from the Games. Seiko Hashimoto, the chairman of the organising committee, does not want to hear about a cancellation. "We have already decided that the Olympic Games will continue, and now we are discussing how to organise them.
A vaccination against the coronavirus is not mandatory for participation in the Olympics. "Because not every country has vaccines available," reads the IOC's reasoning.
Source: Sporza
