The Winter Olympics in Beijing are in full prep mode. The Chinese government is doing everything in its power to prevent the elite sports event from becoming a Covid-19 hotspot.
The latest restriction to be imposed on the athletes was in the International Olympic committee “playbooks” released Monday.
This dictates that an unvaccinated athlete will be required to quarantine for three weeks.
In addition to this severe restriction full vaccination is required 14 days prior to departure to Beijing and regular testing will take place regardless of vaccination status.
“We want everyone at the Games to be safe, that’s why we’re asking all participants to follow these guidelines,” Christophe Dubi, IOC’s olympic games executive director, said in a release.
“Keeping everyone healthy will ensure the focus remains on the very fundamentals of the Olympic and Paralympic Games – the athletes and the sport.”
US Olypic Committee announced back in September that athletes competing for a spot at the Beijing Winter Games must be fully vaccinated. In addition to this starting from November 1st US athletes and staff that use the USOPC training facilities must be fully vaccinated.
“The stark reality is that this pandemic is far from over,” Hirshland added. “This step will increase our ability to create a safe and productive environment for Team USA athletes and staff, and allow us to restore consistency in planning, preparation and service to athletes.”
Team USA’s website states that as of Dec. 1, 2021, all “delegation members and hopefuls for future Games will need to submit documentation of their full vaccination, or be granted an exemption as a condition of participation.”