No handshakes at Tokyo Olympics

A policeman walks past the Olympic rings in front of the New National Stadium in Tokyo. Pic/Getty Images

The Tokyo Olympic Games is going to be unique in a number of ways given the unfortunate global pandemic situation. Though Japan has seen a steady reduction in Covid-19 cases in the recent past, the Games Organising Committee is taking no chances and doing everything possible to ensure that the event does not prove to be a cause for the spread of the dreaded virus.

As per the latest playbook (guidelines for Tokyo Olympics athletes and official representatives) issued by the International Olympic Committee in coordination with the local Japanese authorities and the Games Organising Committee, strict Covid-19 regulations have been laid down in and around the various Games venues, including the Athletes Village, and any breach could lead to sanctions.
Mask-wearing is mandatory at all times, says the book, "except while eating, drinking, training, competing or sleeping."

Social distancing rules are strict too and no handshakes are permissible. "Keep two metres distance from athletes and at least one metre from others, including in operational spaces. Keep physical interactions with others to a minimum. Avoid physical contact, including hugs and handshakes," suggests the book.

The enforcement of the regulations will be done through a number of software applications that will be installed in the phones of all athletes and delegates. GPS trackers will also be utilised to limit the movement of all delegates.

And finally, in what is a clear warning, athletes and delegates are informed that they could face sanctions ranging from warnings and financial penalties to ouster from the competition if they do not adhere to the rules. The book states: "In case of an infringement of any rules, you may be exposed to the following non-exhaustive range of potential consequences in accordance with the Olympic Charter: (i) Warnings, (ii) Temporary or permanent withdrawal of your accreditation, (iii) Temporary or permanent ineligibility or exclusion from the Games, (iv) Disqualification, (v) Financial sanctions."

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