Olympic athletes should not queue to receive COVID-19 injection, says WHO | Olympic News

WHO executive director of the health emergency program, Dr Michael Ryan says there are only a few other people, such as facial health workers and vulnerable people, who are dying and need the valuable vaccine in emergency.

Top athletes should not queue to get Covid-19 vaccines in order to compete at the Olympics, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended.

There are others, such as facial health workers and vulnerable people, who are dying and who need the valuable vaccine in an emergency, said Dr. Michael Ryan, WHO executive director of the health emergency program .

He told a WHO news conference in Geneva: “Currently we are focusing with laser on solving our biggest problem of vaccinating health workers in all countries and allowing vulnerable people who die of this disease to be vaccinated. “

He added: “We now face a global crisis that requires frontline workers, the elderly and the most vulnerable to access vaccines first – that in no way determines. denying the desire or will of the Olympics and coming together and celebrating a global sporting event where all countries come together.

“What an amazing symbol these Games are of shared humanity, however we have to face the things that lie ahead now – there are not enough vaccines right now to even serve those most at risk. “

French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF) president Denis Masseglia has said athletes who have not been vaccinated against a “very difficult” situation at this summer’s Tokyo Games would be sent off. off last year.

He warned that they would oppose a “fortnight’s quarantine” and “have to test in the mornings and evenings”.

There is uncertainty as to whether the already delayed Olympic and Paralympic Games will go ahead with rising coronavirus levels worldwide and much of the greater Tokyo area having entered a situation crisis earlier this month.

Just a few days ago, International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said he believes the 2020 Tokyo Games will bring the “light at the end of the tunnel” amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Bach also said the event was “fully supported” by Japanese officials after a report in the Times said the country’s government had “privately decided” that the Olympics and Paralympics must be postponed as as a result of rising coronavirus levels.

Mr Bach’s comments come with a growing number, including former London 2012 boss Sir Keith Mills, after doubts were raised about whether the Games would take place, while athletes wanted clarity.

Japan has yet to start vaccinating its citizens, although they hope a majority of adults will have an injection by July, and say vaccinations will not be mandatory for Games visitors.

Olympic officials have kept themselves away from suggestions from IOC executive committee member Dick Pound that athletes could jump the queue so the Games can go ahead.

A mandatory anti-problem scheme would favor those countries with established vaccination programs over others who are unable to access these facilities and programs.

A number of athletes are becoming increasingly public with their concerns and demanding clarity from the IOC on how and how the Games will be held.

Sir Matthew Pinsent, the British Olympic quarterback, has called for the Tokyo Games to be pushed back to replace 2024 in the calendar – a comment that has been dismissed by officials.

Stef Reid, a double Paralympic silver medalist and world champion, wanted the continued profiteering to do nothing to help athletes in their preparations for the Games.

She tweeted: “This is annoying. If it’s true, make it official.”