The International Olympic Committee, Paralympic Committee and Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee have published the first Tokyo Games Playbook.
They outline the responsibilities of all Games participants and the rules that must be followed – starting 14 days before travel, as well as entry to Japan, throughout the Games and on departure.
And if that sounds pretty daunting . . . you better believe it.
This is going to be a different Games, that has been made clear by the IOC as the organisers struggle to keep the show on the road
This is in the face of a coronavirus pandemic that has already infected 104,489,288 people and led to 2,265,115 deaths – and counting – with 108,000+ of those in the UK alone.
If the Games do go ahead – and commercial pressures seem to be driving it on – then it will likely be even more of a media event than ever before, possibly without any stadium spectators – at least from outside Japan.
While we sit comfortably, and safely, at home in front of our TVs, the athletes will compete in a unique environment, while following the strict playbook instructions that are being rolled out over the coming weeks.
This first 32 page document (of four) outlines the personal responsibilities key stakeholders must take to play their role in ensuring safe and successful Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer.
The first versions will be updated with more detail over the coming months, as the global situation relating to COVID-19 becomes clearer ahead of the Games.
Each Athlete must complete an activity plan for the first 14 days of their stay in Japan, which they will need to share with the Japanese authorities.
It will include :–
- All your planned activities – During your stay in Japan, you will be expected to limit your activities to what is required in order to carry out your role.
- Where you will travel – restricted to Official Games Venues (as per your accreditation privileges).
- Your accommodation and limited additional locations, as defined by the ‘List of Destinations and Movement’.
You will be required to :–
- Keep your close contact list up to date
- Limit your physical contact with athletes,maintaining a two-metre distance at all times
- Keep a minimum of one metre’s distance from others • Avoid crowds and enclosed spaces wherever possible
- Avoid staying an unnecessarily long time in a space where physical distance cannot be maintained. Refrain from talking in crowded areas such as elevators
- Avoid unnecessary forms of physical contact such as hugs, high-fives and handshakes
Additional rules apply to your first 14 days in Japan :–
- Follow only the activities you have outlined in your 14-day activity plan
- You must only leave your accommodation to go to Official Games Venues and limited additional locations, as defined by the ‘List of Destinations and Movement’
- You must not visit Games venues as a spectator
- You must not visit tourist areas, shops, restaurants or bars, gyms, etc.
- Do not use public transport, unless given permission
NOTE: You will not be required to have received a vaccine in order to participate in the Games – and all of the rules outlined in this Playbook will apply, whether or not you have received the vaccine.
The British Olympic Association has said that it has strong plans in place to create Covid-secure bubles for its athletes and has not been taken by surprise by any of the guidelines.
The British Sailing Team confirmed that thay have their own accommodation in Hayama, a few miles from the Enoshima sailing venue.
You can read the full Playbook here . . .
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