IOC announce curbs for unvaccinated athletes at Beijing Winter Olympics

The International Olympic Committee have announced athletes who aren’t fully vaccinated at the next Winter Olympics will have to quarantine for 21 days

The 2022 Winter Olympians who are not fully vaccinated will have to quarantine for 21 days when they arrive in Beijing.

The news emerged following a meeting between the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee.

For those who have been jabbed, they will go into what is called “closed-loop management system”, according to the organisers.

An IOC statement read: “All athletes and Games participants who are fully vaccinated will enter the closed-loop management system upon arrival.

“Games participants who are not fully vaccinated will have to serve a 21-day quarantine upon arrival in Beijing.

“Athletes who can provide a justified medical exemption will have their cases considered.

“All vaccines recognised by WHO or related international organisations, or approved officially by the countries or regions concerned, will be accepted.”

An additional announcement revealed that tickets will be sold exclusively to those who live in mainland China who meet the Covid-19 protocol requirements.

The statement added: “This will facilitate the growth of winter sports in China by giving those spectators a first-hand Olympic and Paralympic experience of elite winter sports, as well as bringing a favourable atmosphere to the venues.”

The Beijing Winter Olympics will take place in February 2022.