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✳ Two COVID-19 tests before flight to Japan
✳ Daily tests
✳ Only follow activities outlined in activity plan
✳ Social-distance with outsiders, 1 meter
✳ Use Games vehicles only
✳ Eat only in locations where COVID-19 countermeasures in place
✳ All other Games participants tested daily for three days after arrival, then selectively after
Tokyo, Japan | THE INDEPENDENT | The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the host organizing committee of Tokyo 2020 have today launched the latest version of an athletes and officials guide to teams travelling to Japan for the games that are 85 days away.
The ‘Playbook’ will provide specific details to participants about the countermeasures that will help ensure safe and successful Games for all those taking part, and the residents of Tokyo and Japan. (full copy at bottom)
One of the key updates in this version of the Playbooks focusses on COVID-19 that forced the postponement of the Games by a year.
All participants will be required to take two COVID-19 tests before their flight to Japan and will be followed by daily testing, in principle, for athletes and those in regular contact with them.
Those in close proximity with athletes will be tested daily to minimise the risk of undetected positive cases that could transmit the virus. The dates and times will be set in line with the sports events and schedule.
All other Games participants will be tested daily for three days after their arrival. After the first three days and throughout their stay, they will be tested regularly, based on the operational nature of their role and level of contact with athletes.
The COVID-19 countermeasures included in the Playbooks (rulebooks) that were first published in February this year have since been reviewed and significantly updated in order to address the emergence of new mutant coronavirus strains and the evolving situation of the pandemic.
“This will be a crucial part of minimising transmission and the risk of an uncontrolled outbreak. Testing will be used for general screening and for those identified as a close contact of a positive case; as well as for diagnosis for those experiencing symptoms of COVID-19,” the IOC said in a statement released April 28, 2021 at the books launch.
The latest Playbooks also outlines the role of COVID-19 Liaison Officers (CLOs), to be appointed by each stakeholder, and will work very closely with Tokyo 2020 and Japanese health authorities.
A joint statement from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 (Tokyo 2020).stated that in addition to implementing the most effective tools being used throughout society, such as screening testing, mask wearing, personal hygiene and physical distancing, they also draw upon the experience of hundreds of sports events that have taken place safely across the world over the past year, with minimal risk to participants and the local population.
IOC’s Bach hails Playbooks
Speaking about the Playbooks, IOC President Thomas Bach said: “Tokyo and Japan have accepted the unprecedented challenge of organising the first postponed Olympic and Paralympic Games in history. We thank them for their great work in this respect and, as partners, we understand the great responsibility that everyone attending the Games must accept so that all participants and the Japanese population remain safe. This is why we have created the Playbooks, based on science and the best medical and event expertise available to us.”
Tokyo 2020 President Hashimoto Seiko said: “The COVID-19 countermeasures included in the first edition of the Playbooks [published February 2021] have been reviewed and significantly updated in order to address the evolving situation of the pandemic. Rules to be observed by all Games participants during their stay in Japan have been expanded and clarified to include further details to ensure safe and secure Games.
“It is important that all stakeholders fully understand these rules, and that each and every one arrives in Japan with the understanding that their cooperation is critical to the success of the Games. We will hold online briefings for each of our stakeholder groups to ensure clear and comprehensive communication on these points.”
In June a third and final planned version of the Playbook will provide updates on any significant changes and address any outstanding questions.
CLICK TO READ PLAYBOOKS – The-Playbook-Athletes-and-Officials-April-2021
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