Beijing 2022: IOC warns athletes, volunteers don’t ‘let your guard down’ as Omicron spreads

The International Olympic Committee has warned everyone travelling to China for the Beijing Games to “avoid all crowded places” to mitigate against the risk posed by Covid-19.

In a document designed to compliment its playbooks for the Olympics, the IOC outlined additional steps people should take before they travel to the Chinese capital.

Physical interactions with others should be “kept to a minimum” before participants enter the closed-loop system that will be in place at the event, the IOC added.

Attendees at the Games will be tested daily, and the IOC has warned participants to “absolutely not let your guard down” even after having two negative tests confirmed.

Other suggestions include making sure people work from home “as much as possible” before travelling to China, and to have a plan in place to limit contact with others during the journey.

All those who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 will not need to quarantine for 21 days upon arrival in China.

Those inside the closed-loop may only visit approved locations using approved means of transport.

Unvaccinated athletes, Games officials and other stakeholders must quarantine for three weeks when they arrive in the country.

Athletes and Games participants defined as having an “essential role” will be able to continue their roles even if they are deemed a close contact to a person who has tested positive for coronavirus.