OLYMPIC GAMES
What is the Team USA covid-19 policy at the Paris 2024 Olympics?
The pandemic has been thrust back into the spotlight after star spritner Noah Lyles tested positive before his 200m race where he finished third.
There was an upset in the Men’s 200m race at the Paris games, with Botswanan sprinter Letsile Tebogo winning his nation’s first ever gold medal. US hopes Kenny Bednarek and Noah Lyles came second and third respectively, though more was expected of Lyles after his 100m triumph and blustering entry to the track.
“He certainly isn’t carrying an injury because you can’t do this with an injury, you can’t run 19.70,” Olympic great Michael Johnson said to the BBC. “If there’s anything, there’s some sort of illness that has zapped his energy from the ability to actually carry that speed all the way through.”
In fact, it has been revealed that Lyles actually tested positive for covid-19 before the race, which could have hindered his time.
Compared to the last Olympics in Tokyo, there are basically no restrictions on athletes, even if they test postitive. If this wwre the last games, Lyles would not have been able to take part.
Team USA and covid-19 in Paris
The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) now follows CDC and local guidelines to determine mitigation measures, including access, testing, quarantine, and isolation protocols, based on the CDC’s community level and risk profile for each location.
“The Paris Games also drop all previous COVID protocols, instead approaching the disease like other respiratory illnesses such as the common cold or the flu: officials now allow athletes and teams to determine for themselves how to prevent or respond to infection,” says Scientific American.
USOPC employees and contractors must be fully vaccinated and up to date on boosters unless exempted. Athletes and coaches are encouraged, but not required, to follow CDC guidelines and remain up to date with vaccinations.
Testing is available for symptomatic athletes and those needing it for travel or quarantine. Events and facilities adhere to local regulations, with no additional mitigation measures required beyond local public health guidelines.