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SCIO press conference on pandemic prevention policies and relevant preparations for Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

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Red Star News:

All athletes are encouraged to get vaccinated according to the competition standards of the second editions of the Playbooks. Are booster shots also needed for athletes? In addition, how to better manage those people who are exempted from vaccination because of medical reasons? Thank you.

Huang Chun:

Thank you for your question. As you all know, COVID-19 vaccinations are being carried out across the world. Vaccination has been proven to be an effective measure to prevent COVID-19 infection and reduce transmission risks, as well as a key step to run the events safely. Therefore, the handbooks stipulate that, except for some athletes and team officials who are medically exempt from vaccination for specific reasons, we require all other stakeholders to get vaccinated to avoid 21 days of quarantine after their entry into China. As for the booster shot you mentioned, we have built a consensus with the IOC after extensive communication. Given the uncertainties of the global pandemic and the spread of the new Omicron variant worldwide, we strongly recommend that all athletes and other stakeholders get a booster shot before coming to China. Many countries have made positive responses and administered booster shots to their athletes. We have formulated strict medical exemption standards, which are explained in the Playbooks, with the IOC, the IPC, and some relevant experts, meaning that not every exemption application for personal reasons in any case can be approved. The exemption standards are only limited to a small minority of athletes and team officials. We believe that athletes, who cherish their sports careers and the opportunity to participate in the Winter Olympics every four years, will strictly and consciously implement the relevant requirements in the handbooks to better protect themselves and others, and ensure the safe and smooth running of the Games. That's all. Thank you.