Beijing Winter Olympics (Reuters)
The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee has said that all American athletes will need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 if they want to compete in the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics.
- Reuters
- Last Update:September 23, 2021 8:02 AM IST
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The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee said on Wednesday that all US athletes hoping to compete at the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics will need to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
“Starting November 1, 2021, the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee will require all USOPC employees, athletes, and those using USOPC facilities, including training centers, to be established,” USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland wrote in a letter. Reviewed by Reuters.
“This requirement will also apply to our full Team USA delegation at future Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Hirshland said the USOPC hoped that the COVID-19 restrictions would be lifted by the end of the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Summer Games, but in fact said the pandemic was “too far away.”
“This move will enhance our ability to create a safe and productive environment for Team USA athletes and staff, and allow us to restore consistency in planning, preparing, and serving athletes,” she said.
The move is supported by the Athletes Advisory Council and the National Governing Bodies Council, he said, which he said was further strengthened by the approval of the Pfizer vaccine by the Food and Drug Administration and a recent mandate by the US federal government.
The Beijing Games will begin on February 4 next year.
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