Tokyo Olympics Organizers Release First Health and Safety 'Playbook'

A day after reiterating that the Tokyo Olympics would go on despite the pandemic, organizers released the first of a series of health and safety “playbooks” for attendees.

The 32-page playbook is billed as a “starting point” for international federations. Specific playbooks for athletes, media and broadcasters will be published throughout the next week.

Among the rules outlined in the first playbook:

• Athletes and staff must provide a negative test within 72 hours before leaving for the events, and could be tested upon arrival or throughout the games.
• If a federation staff member experiences symptoms within 14 of traveling to Japan, they cannot go. 
• Temperature checks may be required when entering a venue. 
• Support athletes by clapping, rather than vocal shows of support. 

The new guidelines clarified that vaccination will not be a requirement, but said that “the IOC calls for Olympic and Paralympic teams to be vaccinated” to set a strong example for their communities. 

Organizers also said that the more than 10,000 athletes expected to attend would be exempt from Japan’s mandatory 14-day quarantine period for international travelers.

Spectators would be exempt too, but it’s not yet clear if they’ll be allowed.