IOC push for athletes vaccination
LONDON. — The International Olympic Committee ( IOC) has expressed its commitment to having as many foreign participants as possible vaccinated for Covid-19 before Tokyo 2020.
The organisation also stressed it supports priority access for highrisk groups and healthcare workers.
Senior International Olympic Committee ( IOC) member Richard Pound on Thursday claimed prioritising athletes for the COVID- 19 vaccine would be the“most realistic way” of ensuring the Games take place this year.
“In Canada where we might have 300 or 400 hundred athletes - to take 300 or 400 vaccines out of several million in order to have Canada represented at an international event of this stature, character and level - I don’t think there would be any kind of a public outcry about that,” Pound told Sky News.
“It’s a decision for each country to make and there will be people saying they are jumping the queue but I think that is the most realistic way of it going ahead.”
The IOC has repeatedly said it would not jump the queue ahead of those who need a vaccination most.
IOC president Thomas Bach in November encouraged athletes to have a Covid-19 vaccination before the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympics but insisted it would not be an entry requirement for the Games.
He said this would be a “free decision” for athletes and others involved in the event, but said they should do so as a “sign of respect” for other competitors and the host nation.
The IOC has suggested it will shoulder some of the costs for vaccinating participants at Tokyo 2020.
“The IOC continues to support the vaccination of those in need, high-risk groups, nurses, medical doctors and everyone who is keeping our societies alive as a priority,” an IOC spokesperson told insidethegames.
“This was also emphasised by Mr Pound.
“As far as the Olympic Games are concerned, the IOC and the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee have been following the principle that has driven all their decisions so far, which is to organise Games in a safe environment for all those involved.”
The IOC said vaccines “are obviously a very important element” of the “toolbox” of COVID- 19 countermeasures set to be in place at Tokyo 2020.
“The IOC has sent a clear message from the beginning that there will be no obligation to get vaccinated. “At the same time, the IOC and the International Paralympic Committee are fully aligned in their commitment to have as many foreign participants as possible vaccinated before the Games.
“The IOC will work with the National Olympic Committees to encourage and assist their athletes, officials and stakeholders to get vaccinated before they go to Japan.— Insidethegames.com.