2022 Winter Olympics: US athletes told to get vaccinated

US athletes competing at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics must get vaccinated by November 01.

The mandate comes after some unvaccinated Americans competing at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics were criticized for holding “mask-less” press briefings.

The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) guidelines tell all employees, contractors and athletes to get vaccinated by the November 01 deadline.

The Winter Olympics are set to take place from February 04 to 20, and the Winter Paralympics are scheduled from March 04 to 13.

The USOPC says the “health and wellbeing of [their] Olympic and Paralympic community continues to be a top priority.”

“This step will increase our ability to create a safe and productive environment for Team USA athletes and staff, and allow us to restore consistency in planning, preparation and optimal service to athletes,” the USOPC added.

Employees and/or athletes not wanting to get vaccinated can get a medical or religious exemption prior to accessing USOPC facilities.

The exemptions would be considered on a case-by-case basis, and exempted individuals will need to get daily COVID tests (paid for by the USOPC).

From December 01, the mandate is set to extend “to all Team USA delegation members or hopefuls for future Games.”

So far, the International Olympic Committee has not placed any restrictions on the participation of unvaccinated individuals.

Some are suggesting the move by the USOPC has come in anticipation of future outbreaks as the tournaments are set to take place in China.