Olympics-USOPC will require COVID-19 vaccine for all U.S. athletes at Beijing Games By Reuters

(Reuters) – The US Olympic & Paralympic Committee on Wednesday stated all American athletes hoping to compete on the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics will must be vaccinated in opposition to COVID-19.

“Efficient Nov. 1, 2021, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee would require all USOPC employees, athletes and people using USOPC services – together with the coaching facilities – to be totally vaccinated in opposition to COVID-19,” USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland wrote in a letter reviewed by Reuters.

“This requirement may even apply to our full Workforce USA delegation at future Olympic and Paralympic Video games.”

Hirshland stated the USOPC had hoped COVID-19 restrictions could be lifted by the top of the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Summer time Video games, however stated in actuality that the pandemic is “removed from over.”

“This step will improve our skill to create a protected and productive setting for Workforce USA athletes and employees, and permit us to revive consistency in planning, preparation and repair to athletes,” she stated.

The transfer has the assist of the Athletes’ Advisory Council and Nationwide Governing Our bodies Council, she stated, which she added was additional bolstered by the Meals and Drug Administration’s approval of the Pfizer (NYSE:) vaccine and the current mandates by the U.S. federal authorities.  

The Beijing Video games start on Feb. 4 subsequent yr.