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Read in Chinese
Speakers:
Han Zirong, vice president and secretary general of the Beijing Organising Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (BOCOG)
Huang Chun, deputy director general of the Pandemic Prevention and Control Office of the BOCOG
Li Ang, deputy director general and spokesperson of the Beijing Municipal Health Commission
Chairperson:
Shou Xiaoli, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO
Date:
Dec. 23, 2021
Shou Xiaoli:
Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). The second edition of the Beijing 2022 Playbooks outlining COVID-19 countermeasures were released recently. To help you better understand related information, we are delighted to be joined today by Ms. Han Zirong, vice president and secretary general of the Beijing Organising Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (BOCOG); Mr. Huang Chun, deputy director-general of the Pandemic Prevention and Control Office of the BOCOG; and Mr. Li Ang, deputy director general and spokesperson of the Beijing Municipal Health Commission. They will brief you on pandemic prevention policies and relevant preparations for the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. First, I'll give the floor to Ms. Han Zirong.
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Han Zirong:
Friends from the media, good morning. On Dec. 13, the BOCOG, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) jointly released the second edition of the Beijing 2022 Playbooks, which provide epidemic prevention guidelines for all stakeholders to participate in the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics.
Now, I would like to give you a brief introduction from three aspects: the background and process of compiling the playbooks and basic principles of epidemic prevention.
I. Background of compiling the playbooks
Against the backdrop of COVID-19, the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics are facing tremendous pressure and challenges:
First, the Chinese government has always put people's lives first and implemented a dynamic zero-COVID-19 approach in line with the overall prevention and control strategy of preventing case import and domestic resurgence, which has effectively guaranteed the sustained and stable economic and social development of China and the health and safety of the people. Therefore, the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics must strictly implement the Chinese government's epidemic prevention principles and requirements and keep the bottom line of epidemic prevention and control in society.
Second, the COVID-19 pandemic, especially the spread of Omicron and other variants, has brought great uncertainty to the global COVID-19 situation. During the Games, many Olympic-related people from different countries and regions will come to China, increasing the number of people gathered. Therefore, many positive cases will be highly likely to happen.
In that context, we, together with the IOC and the IPC, have compiled and released the playbooks. The epidemic prevention content in the playbooks should first meet the needs of the Games and reflect the Games-centered, athletes-centered approach to ensure the regular operation of the Games. At the same time, it must comply with China's epidemic prevention and control principles. We hope that all stakeholders can strictly implement the epidemic prevention protocols, jointly respond to COVID-19 challenges, and make joint efforts to ensure the safety of all participants and the host cities and make the Games safe and smooth.
II. Process of compiling the playbooks
The process of compiling the playbooks can be divided into three phases.
First, the BOCOG worked independently on the preparation phase. In the first half of this year, we started the compilation of the playbooks. To present a streamlined, safe, and splendid Games on schedule, we set the six principles. They are a streamlined Games, vaccination, closed-loop management, effective emergency response, a combination of prevention and control, and a holistic and balanced approach. After several rounds of soliciting opinions in mid-September, six playbooks for six categories of stakeholders were completed and submitted to the IOC for review.
Second, we compiled the first edition of the playbooks with the IOC. In early October, we had three video communication meetings with the IOC and established the timeline and framework of the compilation. We agreed to condense the six playbooks into two, one for athletes and team officials, and another for other stakeholders, and set the essential principles of strengthening vaccination, pre-departure COVID-19 prevention measures, closed-loop management, and nucleic acid tests and emergency response. Nine rounds of consultations were held intensively to discuss the text item by item, and the consensus was reached before we jointly released them on Oct. 25. After releasing the first edition of the playbooks, we held nine briefings for all stakeholders, who generally expressed their understanding and recognition. In the recent international test events, we strictly followed the epidemic prevention standards and requirements that would be adopted for the actual games, through which the playbooks and the measures have proven effective.
Third, we compiled the second edition of the playbooks with the IOC. Since Nov. 5, we have held 14 consultation and review meetings with the IOC on the revision of the playbooks. While keeping the basic framework of the first edition, we have absorbed the opinions and suggestions of various stakeholders and taken into account issues discovered in the test events, and revised specific measures and related details concerning pre-games epidemic prevention, review of the previously infected, nucleic acid testing processes, list of permitted destinations for stakeholders, and isolation facility standards for the asymptomatic to make the playbooks more feasible. Finally, on Dec. 13, the second edition of the playbooks were officially released, followed by six briefings to respond to the specific concerns of various stakeholders.
III. Basic principles of the playbooks
The playbooks set out six principles:
First, vaccination. Vaccination is a crucial means to reduce the risk of infection and transmission and ensure the safety of the events. Except for athletes and team officials who are exempt due to medical reasons, all Olympic-related personnel must complete full vaccination at least 14 days before coming to China to be exempted from quarantine at the designated facility and enter the closed loop. Furthermore, given the complexity of the current COVID-19 situation worldwide, we especially recommend that all Olympic-related personnel receive booster shots against COVID-19.
Second, closed-loop management shall be applied. It is a special management system. Within the closed loop, all the people arriving in China for the Games, and domestic staff working for them directly are subject to daily health monitoring and nucleic acid tests, and need to stay in the hotels or the Olympic villages within the closed loop. They will be only allowed to take dedicated Olympic vehicles for moving between designated venues and places within the closed loop, and not allowed to meet people outside the closed loop, let alone the general public.
Third, a COVID-19 Liaison Officer (CLO) mechanism shall be established. All international organizations arriving in China for the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games must appoint CLOs to keep close contact with their members, ensure that they understand the contents of the playbooks, assist in their preparations before arriving in China, and carry out relevant coordination work, including epidemic emergency responses.
Fourth, tests, tracing, and quarantine shall be conducted. During the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, all people within the closed loop shall take nucleic acid tests every day. Those who test positive and test positive again after retesting must be quarantined and receive treatment. In accordance with the standards of epidemiological survey and close contact determination stipulated in the playbooks, we will learn about where the infected individual has been, so as to locate close contacts as soon as possible and take decisive measures to cut the chain of transmission.
Fifth, contact between people shall be reduced. In crowded spaces with poor ventilation, there is a greater risk of being infected with the novel coronavirus from close contacts. The playbooks stipulate that social activities should be minimized, masks should be worn at all times, and long-time stays, gatherings and close contact should be avoided in confined spaces.
Sixth, hygiene awareness shall be raised. All Olympic participants should wear N95/KN95/FFP2 masks without breathing valves or surgical masks of the equivalent standards during their stay in China. We must wash hands and disinfect frequently, and use soap-free sanitizer whenever possible. We encourage handclapping to encourage the athletes, rather than singing and shouting. We recommend trying to avoid the use of shared items, or sterilizing them before use. Rooms should be ventilated regularly to maintain good airflow.
Friends from the media, the Winter Olympics are just around the corner. To prevent and control the epidemic and ensure the safety of Winter Olympic events and participants, we will continue to do the following work: First, we will intensify publicity and training. We will invite the IOC, IPC, and Olympic committees of countries (regions) to offer training and interpretation of the playbooks to their CLOs and personnel arriving in China for the Games. We will also train the Olympic-related staff in host cities so that they know well the epidemic rules in the playbooks and follow these rules consciously and strictly. Second, we will improve our working mechanisms. We will set up a consultation mechanism between Chinese and foreign medical and epidemic prevention experts, improve the CLO communication and coordination mechanism, and enhance the mechanism of emergency response coordination in and out of the closed loop to ensure that all epidemic prevention measures are fully implemented. Third, we will strengthen coordination of the work in and out of the closed loop. Based on the epidemic prevention and control system of the host cities, the work in and out of the closed loop will be integrated to form synergy and establish a work pattern integrating commands and operations so as to ensure safety of the Games.
Friends, there are only 43 days to go before the opening of the Games. All the preparations are ready. We hope all the participants can understand the importance of the epidemic prevention and control measures in the playbooks and strictly abide by them. With the strong support of the Chinese people and the international community, we have the confidence and determination to stage a streamlined, safe and splendid Olympic Games for the world.
Finally, I would like to welcome friends from the media to continue to focus on, support, and participate in the preparations for the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics. Thank you!
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Shou Xiaoli:
Thank you, Ms. Han, for your introduction. Now the floor is open for questions. Please identify the news outlet you work for before raising questions.
CCTV:
My question is about the recently published second edition of the Beijing 2022 Playbooks. What's the difference between the two editions? What rules have been updated? Will new epidemic prevention measures be issued before and during the Games?
Han Zirong:
Thank you for your questions. I think many friends from the media are interested in this subject because the first and second editions of the playbooks were published in quick succession. What are their differences? Let me give you a brief answer.
The second edition is generally consistent with the first one in basic principles, framework, and specific measures. We mainly did revisions and improvements on specific measures in three aspects. First, we have added some anti-pandemic measures, such as anti-pandemic requirements for Chinese participants, key information on the epidemiological survey, and spectating policies for athletes. These are the newly added measures. Second, we have provided more detailed anti-pandemic requirements. For example, we have specified policies for athletes identified as close contacts of confirmed cases before the Games, retesting work for people who tested positive, and the work process of testing agencies abroad. Additionally, the second edition details the review processes for vaccine exemption and people with a history of infection, as well as the flight booking process, which has been a major concern to all stakeholders. We have also made detailed requirements for the service standards of accommodation and transportation. Third, we have updated relevant information, such as the time for nucleic acid testing, the ways of sampling, and the list of destinations allowed for all stakeholders, which is highly relevant to foreign participants. We have listed all the destinations allowed in the second edition. As for the question whether additional measures will be put in place before and during the Games, it fully depends on the changes of the epidemic situation in and outside China, especially the infectiousness and perniciousness of the Omicron variant. We will follow up on the epidemic situation closely, respect the professional opinions of medical experts, and maintain close contact with the IOC and the IPC, in order to make dynamic adjustments to anti-pandemic measures. Only by upholding flexibility can we properly address the risks and challenges brought by Covid-19. That's all from me.
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Beijing TV:
According to the second edition of the playbooks, what are the requirements and management measures for the entry and exit of the Games participants? How to conduct closed-loop management between competition zones? What health monitoring measures will be taken upon the participants' arrival in Beijing? How to ensure the accessibility and timeliness of nucleic acid testing? Thank you.
Han Zirong:
Thank you for your questions. All of these questions are very specific and concern all stakeholders. Mr. Huang will answer them.
Huang Chun:
Thank you for your questions. Actually, these questions comprise four aspects: remote control and prevention, closed-loop management, health monitoring, and nucleic acid testing.
In terms of remote control and prevention for inbound personnel, first, they need to download the "My 2022" app at least 14 days before their departure for China. There is a health monitoring system in the app, and they need to report their monitoring results on it every day. Second, they need to be fully vaccinated 14 days before coming to China. Third, they need to conduct two nucleic acid tests within 96 hours before the departure of their flights. Fourth, for those who were infected before coming to China, they need to conduct two additional nucleic acid tests besides the two regular tests. They also need to submit related review documents to the BOCOG at least eight working days before departure. Fifth, we will conduct throat swab tests and nasal swab tests for all inbound personnel at customs at the airport. Sixth, we will provide negative certificates of nucleic acid tests within 24 hours of departure for outbound personnel to help them head back to their destination countries. Generally speaking, we have made strict measures from remote control and prevention to outbound process.
Regarding closed-loop management, Ms. Han just stressed its importance. It is also a key measure in the playbooks and in the whole Winter Olympic Games. The playbooks have elaborated the requirements for closed-loop management. For all inbound personnel, they need to follow the closed-loop management policy during their entire stay in China. During this period, we will provide shuttle services between hotels and competition venues and other working sites. All activities have to be conducted within the closed loop. No personnel shall leave the loop, let alone reach areas outside the loop in the city – this is our bottom line. Therefore, for all personnel under the closed-loop management, they need to strictly follow personal protection measures and the requirements in the playbooks. This is also a key measure for us to ensure the safety and smooth operation of the Games and the safety of all participants.
As for the health monitoring we just mentioned, it will not only be conducted during the Games on a daily basis, but also be implemented 14 days before all Games participants' departure for China. All personnel should take the initiative to monitor their health situation and upload the results to the relevant system. I believe that we are very familiar with health monitoring. They need to conduct body temperature checks at least twice a day, get symptoms such as cough and sore throat checked out, and take suitable precautions for individual protection. That's all for the health monitoring.
The IOC and all stakeholders are very concerned about the convenience and timeliness of nucleic acid testing. Nucleic acid testing is a very important measure to prevent and control the epidemic. We will conduct nucleic acid tests for people in the closed loop every day. Such high-frequency tests constitute a potent measure that can ensure positive cases are found promptly and that the transmission chain is broken. We have also considered the sampling time of the athletes and other stakeholders, and made meticulous arrangements to ensure sampling will not affect the running of the Games. Sampling points have been set up in the Olympic Village, contracted hotels, centralized sites, and other venues. The sampling time is quite flexible, with the services available from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day. The athletes can go for tests based on their competition schedule without any appointments. The result of the sampling taken between 6 a.m. and 12 a.m. will come out before 8 p.m., and those between noon and 11 p.m. will come out before 6 a.m. the next day. Some people have asked if negative test results can be given on a daily basis. It is clarified in the handbooks that only those with positive results will be informed.
Thank you!
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Red Star News:
All athletes are encouraged to get vaccinated according to the competition standards of the second editions of the Playbooks. Are booster shots also needed for athletes? In addition, how to better manage those people who are exempted from vaccination because of medical reasons? Thank you.
Huang Chun:
Thank you for your question. As you all know, COVID-19 vaccinations are being carried out across the world. Vaccination has been proven to be an effective measure to prevent COVID-19 infection and reduce transmission risks, as well as a key step to run the events safely. Therefore, the handbooks stipulate that, except for some athletes and team officials who are medically exempt from vaccination for specific reasons, we require all other stakeholders to get vaccinated to avoid 21 days of quarantine after their entry into China. As for the booster shot you mentioned, we have built a consensus with the IOC after extensive communication. Given the uncertainties of the global pandemic and the spread of the new Omicron variant worldwide, we strongly recommend that all athletes and other stakeholders get a booster shot before coming to China. Many countries have made positive responses and administered booster shots to their athletes. We have formulated strict medical exemption standards, which are explained in the Playbooks, with the IOC, the IPC, and some relevant experts, meaning that not every exemption application for personal reasons in any case can be approved. The exemption standards are only limited to a small minority of athletes and team officials. We believe that athletes, who cherish their sports careers and the opportunity to participate in the Winter Olympics every four years, will strictly and consciously implement the relevant requirements in the handbooks to better protect themselves and others, and ensure the safe and smooth running of the Games. That's all. Thank you.
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Cover News:
At present, the "Meeting in Beijing" test events are coming to an end. The epidemic prevention work of the test events has been carried out in accordance with the competition requirements of the Beijing Winter Olympic Games. I would like to ask what was the outcome of the epidemic prevention measures and what is the feedback from all parties? Thank you.
Han Zirong:
Thank you for your question, which is a really good one. As you all know, as of October 5, BOCOG has been conducting a series of international test events. In terms of epidemic prevention and control, we have adopted measures that include remote prevention and control, closed-loop management, daily nucleic acid testing and health monitoring, and stringent implementation of relevant competition standards and requirements. During the test events, positive COVID-19 cases did occur among athletes before they boarded and they didn't board their flights to China according to the requirements outlined in the handbooks. Positive cases also emerged at the airport customs upon entry and among close contacts after entry. In accordance with relevant requirements, the individuals were quarantined in designated facilities and treated in designated hospitals, respectively, according to whether they had symptoms or not.
In line the requirements of the handbooks, we allowed close contacts to attend the training and competitions normally under the condition of strict protection. Some contacts even played to the best of their ability in the contests and won gold medals, with which the athletes were rather satisfied. Given these examples, it is fair to say that the first edition of the Epidemic Prevention Handbooks has indeed stood the practical test of the test events.
With the support of all parties, both the test events and the epidemic prevention and control work at all venues and sites during the events went smoothly, demonstrating that the first versions of the handbooks have stood the test and got recognition. Despite the positive cases, they were handled quickly and effectively, breaking the spread of the epidemic. It is fair to say that the relevant epidemic prevention and control policies have been well received in general, and recognized and spoken highly of by the vast majority of athletes, team officials, and foreign media friends.
That's all for my answer.
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South China Morning Post:
If infected cases are reported in the venues, how can the infections be prevented from spreading in Beijing and other cities? Thank you.
Huang Chun:
As we all know, the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics will be held amid the pandemic. The emergence of virus carriers or small clusters of confirmed cases is likely to happen. During the event, a large number of inbound and outbound visitors will gather here, so the risk of transmission is very high. We have formulated emergency response plans for any contingency. If positive cases appear, we will take the following measures. Individuals who remain symptomless will be quarantined in facilities set up in the three competition zones, which is different from common practice in cities where the positive cases are sent to hospitals. Individuals who display symptoms will be transferred to designated hospitals, such as Ditan Hospital in Beijing and the No. 1 People's Hospital in Zhangjiakou, both of which have rich experience in the treatment of infectious diseases. Athletes who test positive will definitely not be allowed to compete. They will be discharged from isolation in accordance with the discharge guidelines. Those who test positive but are asymptomatic will be tested every day, beginning 24 hours after the last test and then discharged after they provide two consecutive negative COVID-19 test results with at least 24 hours between the two samples and no other COVID-19 symptoms. They can return to their Games-time roles after recovery according to their conditions and the requirements of the competition. They will also be asked to adopt additional countermeasures. Those displaying symptoms in Ditan Hospital and other hospitals will only be discharged if the following conditions are met: their temperature returns to normal for three consecutive days; respiratory symptoms improve significantly; lung imaging shows significant improvement; and there are two consecutive negative COVID-19 tests with a sample interval of at least 24 hours. They also can return to their Games-time roles after recovery.
If a person tests positive for COVID-19, then they will undoubtedly have close contacts. We formulate close contact criteria during flights and competition in accordance with international standards such as those laid out by the WHO. In China's communities, close contacts will be quarantined in designated hotels for 21 days, however, at the Winter Olympics we will carry out a closed-loop management system. In a large loop, rather than doing daily testing once, a close contact should instead receive two tests, and live and eat separately. More specifically, we will arrange dedicated vehicles for close contacts to move freely between their locations of quarantine and the venues. If results are negative, then they can take part in the competition and continue working under certain conditions.
We as well as the general public place a lot of focus on the impact to society at large. Preventing infections within the closed-loop from spreading to communities in cities as much as possible is a red line, especially when faced with the severe acute Omicron variant. We will strictly apply the closed-loop management policy and requirements of daily testing to prevent the virus from spreading further.
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CGTN:
The U.S.-based National Hockey League (NHL) announced yesterday that their players will not be participating in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics because of the pandemic. I want to ask if China will make any adjustments to its anti-pandemic policies, so as to make it more convenient for foreign athletes to take part in the competition.
Huang Chun:
Thank you. I also read of the news yesterday and am keeping an eye on it. As you just said, they cannot participate in the Olympics this year because of the pandemic and we are sorry about that.
The epidemic prevention and control policy for the event was jointly formulated by the IOC, IPC and BOCOG. We issued two editions of the Beijing 2022 playbooks on Oct. 25 and Dec. 13, respectively. The measures in the playbooks have been made in accordance with the latest scientific achievements and opinions of experts and in reference to the experiences of other international events. In particular, we have adopted such measures in the recent 13 test events and training weeks from October to December. The overall effect was obvious and recognized by all stakeholders. We believe that these measures can reduce the risk of transmission, safeguard the health of all participants and the people of China, and ensure the safe and smooth running of the Winter Games. Thank you.
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Xinhua News Agency:
The Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will involve three competition zones and 19 venues spread out over various locations. My question is, how will you guarantee medical treatment? Thank you.
Li Ang:
Thank you for your question. As we all know, medical treatment is a key part of the service guarantee for the Games. In accordance with the requirements outlined in the Beijing 2022 Playbooks and the FIS Medical Guideline, Beijing will follow a designated, secure and effective approach to implement its supporting services, so as to host a streamlined, safe and splendid Olympic Games. We have focused on the following four aspects:
First, we have improved resource allocation of medical treatment. We have set up three kinds of medical stations throughout the competition venue: fixed medical stations, competition field medical stations, and medical stations for spectators. There are 88 medical stations in total at competition areas in Beijing, which will provide on-site medical treatment and triage and transfer sick and injured people. A total of 1,140 key medical personnel from 17 designated hospitals and two pre-hospital first-aid institutions have been assembled to serve as medical support personnel for the venue, with a backup of 457 hospital-level experts. In addition, 120 medical personnel from 12 tertiary hospitals were selected to form a municipal-level backup, equipped with 74 ambulances near the stadiums, 54 of which are negative pressure ambulances. In accordance with epidemic prevention and control requirements during the Winter Olympics, the BOCOG classified Olympics-related patients into five categories: confirmed and suspected COVID-19 patients, patients with fever in the closed loop, other patients in the closed loop, patients with fever outside the closed loop, and other patients outside the closed loop. We have adjusted and optimized treatment in different designated hospitals. Eighteen designated hospitals will treat patients in specific categories to avoid overlapping routes of patients with different risks. After the competition starts, 1,188 medical staff and 840 hospital experts will be dispatched from designated hospitals to provide timely and efficient medical services. Meanwhile, 60 municipal-level experts and 10 academicians will provide high-level technical support. As you can see, we have made full preparations in terms of manpower.
Second, according to stadium conditions and hospital characteristics, we have developed differential and targeted schemes for medical security. Medical staff, including orthopedics, stomatology, and other disciplines, will treat patients injured in different sports. For example, the ice hockey stadium is equipped with CT, dental chairs, and other relative equipment. We have carried out targeted first-aid exercises for different venues. In order to give full play to the advantages of professional disciplines, designated hospitals developed targeted medical security schemes to improve medical treatment capabilities. Yanqing Hospital of Peking University Third Hospital has transformed a 12,000-square-meter independent inpatient building into the Winter Olympics Medical Center, equipped with 72 beds, CT and MRI equipment, operating rooms, nucleic acid sampling booths, and a fever clinic. Beijing Anzhen Hospital set up a special area for the Olympics-related patients. Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, and Bejing Shijitan Hospital have adjusted their hospital layout, set up special wards, been equipped with special CT and MRI equipment, and established negative pressure hybrid operating rooms, which will provide a strong guarantee for suitable medical treatment during the Winter Olympics.
Third, we have accelerated the construction of polyclinics in Winter Olympic villages. A 1,500-square-meter polyclinic in Beijing Winter Olympic Village and a 1,658-square-meter polyclinic in Yanqing Winter Olympic Village have been built, including 18 disciplines such as emergency treatment, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, imaging, TCM, and dentistry, which will meet the needs of basic outpatient service for 16 hours a day and emergency treatment for 24 hours after the competitions begin. At present, medical equipment testing of the polyclinic in Beijing Winter Olympic Village has been completed, and the medical equipment of CT, MRI, and DR Fangcang of the polyclinic in Yanqing Winter Olympic Village have been debugged in place, which will ensure orderly medical treatment, including outpatient service, emergency treatment, and rehabilitation transfer during the competition.
Forth, we have strengthened training, exercises, and blood supplies. Based on the principle of full training and internal-external integration, we have increased training of medical personnel in the knowledge of Winter Olympics, English, and skiing skills. Forty ski doctors have reached the international rescue level, and 1,900 medical support staff have acquired basic first-aid capability. Beijing Red Cross Blood Center has established a special blood allocation mechanism during the competition, with reserves of Rh-negative blood maintaining at 1,800 to 2,000 units.
In a word, Beijing will coordinate its medical resources to guarantee medical treatment for the Winter Olympics and Winter Paralympics, and provide high-quality and efficient medical treatment for athletes and friends from all over the world. Thank you.
Han Zirong:
We can see from Mr. Li's introduction that medical services for the Winter Olympics and Winter Paralympics are ready. Due to the characteristics of Winter Olympics and winter sports, the probability of injury is high for both athletes and staff. Medical rescue in international competitions has strict operating procedures. In the case of emergency rescue, there may be queries about why a rescue was slow. In fact, during the competition, medical assistance has to follow procedures in light of international standards. For example, when an athlete falls, team doctors have to decide whether the athlete should be transferred for further treatment or receive on-site treatment. Emergency personnel can only transfer the athlete after team doctors have finished their on-site judgment. Especially in the case of injuries, the first thing we have to do is stop the game so as to prevent secondary injuries. We hope that friends from the media can pay more attention to the medical rescue procedures of such international competitions. Our medical rescue teams will certainly carry out emergency treatments in accordance with the rules and procedures of international competitions to guarantee suitable medical treatment at the Winter Olympics.
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Kyodo News Agency:
I would like to inquire about the spectators. Which venues and sports events do the BOCOG plan to allow spectators to attend? What is the spectator limit? When will ticket sales start? What are the requirements of the COVID-19 countermeasures for the spectators? Thank you.
Han Zirong:
You have raised questions of common concern. In view of the complex situation of the global COVID-19 pandemic, in order to prevent the possible spread of the virus and ensure the safety of all participants, we have already announced that tickets will be sold exclusively to spectators residing in China's mainland.
Regarding the ticket policies, COVID-19 prevention requirements, and other related information for domestic spectators, we are still making plans and will release them to the public in due course. Please refer to the information published through our official channels. We will keep close communication with the IOC and issue relevant ticket policies and COVID-19 countermeasures for domestic spectators regarding the COVID-19 situation. We hope that everyone obtains information through official channels. That's all for my answer for now.
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Southern Metropolis Daily:
How would you cope with the situation if a positive case is found during the Games? How would you minimize the impact on related personnel? Thank you.
Huang Chun:
Just now, a reporter asked a similar question, which I've already introduced. I will briefly answer it again.
During the Games, there is a probability of infections or a small-scale cluster outbreak happening in the closed loop. But we have already made a plan to deal with such a situation and the plan worked during the previous testing competitions. I've already introduced the symptoms of the infected, whether he or she has symptoms or not, where to isolate and treat the infected, and the criteria for ending isolation or quarantine and hospital discharge if a positive case were to be found. Regarding whether it would affect the schedule of the Games, generally speaking, we would not adjust the event unless a large outbreak occurs. Certainly, in this regard, we will keep close communication with the IOC and the IPC and make joint judgments on whether to suspend the Games or adjust the schedule and other arrangements.
I've also introduced the criteria for close contact and relevant management requirements. The competitions of the close contacts would not be affected if they strictly implement the overall prevention and control principles and measures. But there is a prerequisite: the athletes must provide proof of negative test results within six hours before they take part in the competition. In addition, for other Olympic-related personnel except for the athletes, if his or her job and tasks can be replaced by others, he or she should implement the quarantine policy of the city.
Given the probability of infections, we hope that every participant should strictly observe the closed-loop epidemic prevention measures. Only in this way can the Games be held and run smoothly.
Thank you!
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Shou Xiaoli:
Due to time constraints, the last question, please.
CRNTT:
We have noticed that the Version 2 of the Beijing 2022 Playbooks say that the first point of entry into the Chinese mainland must be Beijing Capital International Airport. Why? We know that there is often a high flow of passengers at the capital airport. Will the travel of ordinary passengers be affected? How will participants get to the closed-loop hotel from the airport? Thank you.
Huang Chun:
Thank you for raising a question of great concern – will cross-infection happen at the airport among the ordinary passengers since a large number of inbound participants will arrive at China without immediate quarantine?
As the largest airport in China, Beijing Capital International Airport boasts a high passenger-carrying capacity. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, we have seen that the airport has accumulated rich experience in epidemic prevention and control. Generally, the first point of entry to Beijing is the Beijing Capital International Airport. It has competent staff who are experienced in epidemic prevention and control, proper facilities and layout, and standardized working mechanisms and workflow. In addition, the airport has set up specific parking spaces, special areas for personnel, and special passages and lines of flow for the Olympics. What's more, the Beijing Capital International Airport is relatively close to the three competition zones and the expressway, which ensures excellent transport for the inbound athletes and attendees. The public can rest assured because they are outside the closed loop. We can guarantee that. During the entire process, a closed-loop system is enforced, from athletes and attendees' entering China and leaving the airport, their transportation to the Olympic and Paralympic Villages and hotels by specific vehicles, and to their leaving of the venues after the competitions to the airport where specific areas will be set up to deal with the relevant formalities. All Olympic-relevant personal will use dedicated Games transport during the whole process. Given the closed loop, the public will be separate from the Olympic-relevant personal. With all this being said, the Beijing Capital International Airport is an ideal first point of entry. It is a correct choice. Thank you.
Shou Xiaoli:
Thank you, Ms. Han. Thank you, all the speakers and friends from the press. Thank you for your attention. Today's press conference is hereby concluded.
Translated and edited by Zhang Jiaqi, Wang Qian, Duan Yaying, Zhang Junmian, Qin Qi, Chen Xia, Xu Xiaoxuan, Yang Xi, Ma Yujia, Li Huiru, Lin Liyao, Liu Qiang, Wang Yiming, Wang Yanfang, David Ball, Jay Birbeck, and Tom Arnstein. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.
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