How Tokyo Plans to Run a Safe Olympic Games

How Tokyo Plans to Run a Safe Olympic Games

Olympic organisers insist the emphasis is on safety as they unveiled new guidelines for international federation and technical officials who are expected to attend Tokyo 2020.

The Olympics are scheduled to run from 23 July – 8 August with the Paralympics following from 24 August-5 September.

However, speculation has been ever mounting over recent weeks with the rise in coronavirus cases across the world although Yoshiro Mori – president of the Tokyo organising committee – was adamant on Tuesday that the Games will go ahead.

Photo Courtesy: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

The Tokyo Olympic organising committee, the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee on Wednesday unveiled a playbook for detailing COVID-19 measures that will be implemented come July.

This includes:

To not use public transport without permission
Requesting athletes and officials to wear face masks at “all times” indoors, except when eating or sleeping
Avoid physical contact
Keep two metres distance from athletes and at least one metre from others
Officials to be banned from visiting tourist areas, bars, restaurants and shops
Asking spectators not to sing or chant but instead to clap
Delegations and staff will be required to appoint a COVID-19 liaison officer

Olympic chiefs have already said athletes will have their stay in the Athletes’ Village limited to a few days and once they have completed their events they will be expected to leave Japan immediately.

There are detailed requirements regarding testing.

Officials are asked to monitor their health for the 14 days preceding departure for Japan
Fill out an activity plan detailing their first 14 days
Be tested for covid 72 hours before departure and then on arrival followed by regular testing thereafter with athletes to be tested every four days
Attendees must install Japan’s COCOA and health reporting phone app for test, trace and isolate purposes

However, it was once more reiterated that vaccination was not mandatory in order to be present at the Games.

Athletes are expected to be given extra details when their specific Playbook is published in the next couple of weeks, as well as restrictions on socialising outside the Village, and their movement between official Games venues.

The IOC’s executive director Christophe Dubi said:

“The health and safety of everyone at the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 are our top priority.

“We each have our part to play. That’s why these Playbooks have been created – with the rules that will make each and every one of us a sound, safe and active contributor to the Games.

“We know these Olympic Games will be different in a number of ways. For all Games participants, there will be some conditions and constraints that will require flexibility and understanding.

“By committing to following the Playbooks we will be stronger together. In return, the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 will be remembered as a historic moment for humanity, the Olympic Movement and all those contributing to their success.”

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