COVID-19 positive cases reported at Paris Olympic games
The 2024 Paris Olympics has seen a resurgence of COVID-19 cases among athletes, although the situation is significantly better compared to the Tokyo Games, which were held under strict lockdown measures.
Several high-profile athletes have had to withdraw from their events due to positive COVID-19 tests. Australian swimmer Lani Pallister, for instance, pulled out of the women’s 1500m freestyle, while British swimmer Adam Peaty missed the 100m breaststroke final.
Despite the easing of COVID-19 restrictions compared to previous Games, many athletes and teams are taking extra precautions to reduce the risk of infection. Measures such as frequent handwashing, wearing masks in indoor spaces, and practicing social distancing are still being enforced.
British swimmer Jacob Whittle mentioned, “We’re hand sanitizing and wearing masks everywhere we can. It’s just being extra cautious when eating and going on buses and communal spaces, just being really conscious so as not to catch it and also, if you’ve got it, not to give it to anyone else. Just being careful really.”
Canada’s chief medical officer, Mike Wilkinson, emphasized, “We continue to implement many of the infection prevention protocols that proved successful during the COVID pandemic, including hand washing, sanitization, and good hygiene practices.”
While the Paris Olympics is largely proceeding without major disruptions, the ongoing presence of COVID-19 highlights the ongoing challenges faced by athletes and organizers in a post-pandemic environment.
