TOKYO (JAPAN) – Organisers of the Tokyo Olympics unveiled a “playbook” detailing COVID-19 measures that will be taken during the Summer Games this year, on Wednesday.
According to organisers, athletes and officials should not use public transport without permission, and asked them to wear face masks at “all times” during the event, except when eating or sleeping. They also asked fans not to sing or chant to support athletes.
Delegations and staff will be required to appoint a COVID-19 liaison officer, who will be responsible for ensuring the participants follow the guidelines. The playbook also advises against shopping at the airport upon arrivals in Japan.
Officials said they must make a decision on the number of overall spectators that would be allowed by Spring. The Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee said it was important to ensure that the local medical system and the Olympics were both sustainable.
There are public fears that an influx of athletes will spread the virus, and polls show a majority of Japanese residents oppose the Games taking place this year.
Pierre Ducrey, the International Olympic Committee’s games operations director, told a joint press briefing that the games would be a “different experience”.
