Zero tolerance

Jamaica Olympic Association President Christopher Samuda has warned all Team Jamaica athletes that there will be a no-tolerance policy regarding COVID-19 rules in place for the Tokyo Olympics which start on Friday.

His comments come as delegations arrive in Japan ahead of the Games, which has already seen an athlete test positive for the virus. Additionally, an organiser has already tested positive in the athletes’ village.

With the International Olympic Committee promising to take a hard-line approach to those who are guilty of violating the protocols, Samuda said they have gone through an extensive effort to ensure that all athletes on the team are familiar with the Olympic playbook and for them to be responsible in ensuring their Olympic participation.

“We have telegraphed our member associations and those in particular who are going to be representing [Jamaica] in Tokyo that they have to be compliant,” Samuda told The Sunday Gleaner. “There will be no negotiations in terms of the rules.

OLYMPIC PLAYBOOK

“They have been stipulated and we know that the sanctions are going to be very dire if you, of course, be deviant, and therefore we have insisted that they not only become familiar with the protocols but they comply with them.”

The Olympic playbook states the consequences for those who are guilty which range from warnings, financial sanctions, and/or even being expelled from the Games.

COVID-19 liaison officers will be assigned to all countries participating and Samuda says that they have been getting and continue to get guidance from those on the ground in Tokyo so protocols are observed.

“We have had a very healthy relationship with the local organising committee,” he said. “We understand the protocols that have to be instituted and the fact that public health and public safety are very paramount. The central government has assured us that they will do all within their power to ensure that the protocols are complied with.

“If you are deviant, then you are at risk of being excluded from the games and not only you personally, but you also place the team at risk. So we have been very insistent that the rules have to be obeyed in the interest of the country and in the interest of your own colleagues.”

DAILY TESTING

The various guidelines include daily COVID-19 testing, social distancing, only being allowed to go to permitted areas, as well as mask-wearing at all times except when eating, sleeping, or in competition.

Tokyo Games chief Seiko Hashimoto said that while there is concern about the positive test at the village, there is a plan of action to protect the athletes during their stay.

“Athletes who are coming to Japan are probably very worried,” she said. “I understand that. That is the reason why we need to make full disclosure. We are doing everything to prevent any COVID outbreaks. If we end up with an outbreak, we will make sure we have a plan in place to respond.”

The playbook also states that athletes and officials will have to quarantine on arrival in Japan and for the following three days. However, they will have to perform their Games-related activities during the three days if they test negative every day, or they operate under a “higher level of supervision to confirm their movement.”

daniel.wheeler@gleanerjm.com