NORZA: DO NOT PANIC
OCM president tells contingent to calm down after several foreign athletes tested positive for Covid-19 in Tokyo
OLYMPIC Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria has urged the national contingent competing at the Olympics not to panic after several foreign athletes tested positive for Covid-19 in the Tokyo Games Village over the weekend.
Tokyo 2020 yesterday confirmed that two athletes from the same country had tested positive for the virus.
A third athlete, who is not staying in the Village, has also tested positive.
The first positive case at the Village was reported on Saturday, though it was not an athlete.
Norza said the national contingent cannot afford to let their guard down in Tokyo.
“The most important thing now is not to panic,” said Norza when contacted yesterday.
“With over 11,000 athletes in the Olympics, not including officials and other staff, there is bound to be a few Covid-19 cases.
“We have informed our secretariat to address any threats or issues immediately. Timely communication is very important.
“Although our entire contingent have been vaccinated, they cannot afford to take anything for granted.
“We must continue to embrace the standard operating procedures (SOP) that we have been practising all this while in Tokyo.
“Even within the Games Village, we must continue to practice social distancing with others.”
The Olympic Village, a complex of apartments and dining areas in Tokyo, will house 6,700 athletes and officials at its peak when the delayed Games finally get underway.
There were 10 new cases yesterday involving those involved in the Olympics, including contractors, the media and other staff.
A total of 15 cases were reported on Saturday.
Athletes who test positive will be placed in a special quarantine facility until they recover.
A total of 30 athletes across 10 sports will be representing Malaysia at the Olympics, and most of them have arrived in Tokyo. Track cyclists Azizulhasni Awang and Shah Firdaus Sahrom will leave on Sunday.