No hugging, COVID-19 test in every 4 days: Athlete rulebook for Tokyo Olympics out

The Tokyo Olympics set to open on July 23, 2021, after considerable delays due to COVID-19, has released its virus rulebook for the athletes. The organisers have made it clear that social distancing must be followed strictly. 

The rulebook forbids athletes from shaking hands or hugging each other or socialising. There will be strict rules to be followed in the summer and should an athlete be found violating any rules, they could be out of their events. 

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As per the guidelines, all players are to be tested at least once in every four days. Any athlete found to be positive will be barred from participating in the Olympics, AFP reported. 

“If you have been to the Games before, we know this experience will be different in a number of ways. For all Games participants, there will be some conditions and constraints that will require your flexibility and understanding,” states the guidebook.

Their time in Japan will be “minimised to reduce the risk of infection,” and those staying at the Olympic Village will be expected to “avoid unnecessary forms of physical contact.”

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The organiser’s original plan of distributing 150,000 free condoms to all the athletes will be implemented. However, the rule-book further urges players to “limit your contact with other people as much as possible.”

The document lays out further detail on virus testing for athletes, with a negative test required within 72 hours of travelling to Japan and again immediately upon arrival. Vaccinations are recommended for athletes, but will not be a requirement to participate in the Games.

The athletes will not be required to quarantine and are permitted to attend training camps before the Games begin. The mandatory addition added is rigorously logging all movements made. The usage of public transport is subject to permission. 

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Athletes “must not visit gyms, tourist areas, shops, restaurants or bars” and can only go to “official Games venues and limited additional locations”.

The players, naturally are also advised to wear masks at all times barring when they are training, competing or in open space. 

The virus rulebooks are being released as organisers, Olympic officials and Japan’s government work to build confidence that the Games can go ahead safely despite a surge in infections globally.

The rollout of the virus rules has been overshadowed by a fiasco of sexist comments made by the Tokyo 2020 chief Yoshiro Mori, who is currently facing calls to resign after claiming women speak too much in meetings. He has apologised but declined to step down.