International Olympic Committee: Athletes should be vaccinated first to participate in the Olympics
Reference News Network Samaranch Sports Channel reported on January 7 that British media said that according to an official of the International Olympic Committee, Olympic athletes should give priority to the new crown virus vaccine to ensure the smooth progress of the Tokyo Olympics.
According to the British Sky News channel reported on January 6, the British government and the British Olympic Committee are discussing the issue of vaccinating athletes against the new crown virus before the start of the Tokyo Olympics in July. But officials stressed that this will not come at the expense of the elderly or disadvantaged groups.
The longest-serving member of the International Olympic Committee, Dick Pound, believes that as long as athletes can be vaccinated in advance, the Olympics can still be carried out on a global scale.
This is a night view of the giant five-ringed sign, Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower taken in Tokyo on December 1, 2020. (Xinhua News Agency)
He said: "In Canada, we may have 300 or 400 athletes — 300 or 400 vaccines from millions of people in order for the Canadian delegation to participate in such an important international event — I don’t think the public will be right. This is a protest."
"Every country has to make a decision. Some people may say they need to line up, but I think this is the most realistic way today."
According to the report, the International Olympic Committee is currently considering how to assist athletes in countries that are unlikely to have extensive vaccination programs before the summer.
People once again expressed concern about whether the Tokyo Olympics, which will start on July 23-a full year later than the original date-will be held.
Japan has basically contained the new crown virus, but the number of infections has soared in recent weeks. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga will decide whether to implement a new state of emergency in Tokyo.
The report pointed out that the International Olympic Committee is preparing for possible situations in the Tokyo Olympics, including that the Olympics are only open to domestic fans or held completely empty.
They have announced some reforms, including restrictions on the athlete’s village, which means that athletes will arrive at the scene 5 days before the official competition and are required to leave within 48 hours after completing the competition. (Compilation / Yu Shiquan)
