WINTER OLYMPIANS face a sex and partying ban when they travel to Beijing next year.
Those taking part in the controversial Games in February 2022 face a raft of Covid counter-measures more severe than those in place during the recent Tokyo Olympics.
Away from the opportunity to win an Olympic medal, the experience in the Village and on the ground will be no-thrills and generally no fun – with late-night activities and drinking discouraged.
Athletes have been told to “minimise physical interaction”, wear a mask, avoid spaces that are enclosed or crowded and maintain a two-metre distance from others during their stay in the country.
Vaccination for all Games-related individuals is key – those who are not fully vaccinated would be required to serve a mandatory 21-day period of "hard" hotel quarantine upon arrival.
A closed-loop system will be in operation and athletes can only travel in “dedicated vehicles between permitted destinations”.
No contact with the general public or anyone outside of the closed loop will be permitted.
Athletes should leave China within 48 hours of their last competition unless they have chosen to take part in the Closing Ceremony.
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Everyone will be tested daily with oropharyngeal (throat) swabs to minimise the risk of undetected positive cases that could transmit the virus.
Anyone who catches Covid while on Chinese soil will be sent to a local hospital or isolation facility.
Those who break the rules – which includes refusing to take a test, visiting non-permitted destinations or “intentionally disrespecting mask wearing” – will be disciplined.
This includes potential accreditation withdrawal, disqualification from competition or fines.
The International Olympic Committee said: “This Playbook is the basis of the game plan to ensure that all Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games participants and the people of China stay safe and healthy for the Games.
“If you have been to the Games before, we know this experience will be different in a number of ways.
“But it will also provide the world’s most powerful display of unity – a joyful rendezvous on pure ice and snow, showcasing winter sport at its very best.”
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