The delayed Tokyo Olympics, which is to take place this year from July 23, has unveiled a 33-page rulebook for the athletes. Their time in Japan will be "minimised to reduce the risk of infection."
From warning players to not socialise, avoid handshakes and not hug, the rulebook wants athletes to "avoid unnecessary forms of physical contact" — especially for the ones living in the Olympic Village.
The guidelines also state that athletes will be tested for the COVID-19 virus at least once every four days. Players who will return with a confirmed positive test will be barred from competing. Athletes could also be kicked out of their events if they break strict anti-virus rules.
The Tokyo organisers told AFP on Tuesday that they still plan to hand out around 150,000 free condoms to the athletes, but the new rulebook urges them to "limit your contact with other people as much as possible."
"If you have been to the Games before, we know this experience will be different in a number of ways," the guidebook warns. "For all Games participants, there will be some conditions and constraints that will require your flexibility and understanding."
Despite these guidelines for athletes and team officials, things will be revised once in April and again in July.
The guidelines also emphasise that athletes should do virus-testing within 72 hours of travelling to Japan and again immediately upon arrival. The rulebook added that there will be no quarantine for athletes, and they will still be allowed to attend training camps before the Games begin.
Athletes "must not visit gyms, tourist areas, shops, restaurants or bars" and can go to "official Games venues and limited additional locations". They will also have to wear masks at all times except when they are competing, training, eating, sleeping or outside in open space.
