Athletes, presenters & volunteers to wear masks during medal ceremonies: IOC

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that athletes, presenters and volunteers will have to wear masks on the podium during Tokyo Olympics medal ceremonies and will not pose for group photographs.

The announcement is part of a series of health-safety measures issued by the IOC keeping in mind the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the new guidelines, additional podium modules will be placed between gold and silver medallists and gold and bronze medallists to allow for social distancing.

“All the presenters will be vaccinated, and there will be only one IOC member and one International Federation representative at each event. A series of changes have been approved in order to respect the Tokyo 2020 health measures, with the aim of making the experience safe for everyone involved while also preserving the essence of this unique moment, when Olympians savour and celebrate the pinnacle of their sports career,” IOC said in a statement.

The IOC said that the athletes, medal presenters and volunteers “will be clearly and thoroughly briefed before the ceremonies on the guidelines they will need to follow.”

Earlier on Wednesday, IOC president Thomas Bach had said that athletes at the showpiece event will have to put their medals around their necks to protect themselves from contracting the virus.

News Desk

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