Paralympics Tokyo 2020 - First positive Covid-19 test for athlete in Paralympic village on day of Opening Ceremony
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Published 24/08/2021 at 15:13 GMT
The news of a first positive athlete test comes on the day of the opening ceremony, conducted in front of an empty Olympic Stadium. Swimmer Ellie Simmonds and archer John Stubbs were the flagbearers for Team GB, who will be represented by 227 athletes across 19 events in Tokyo. China topped the medal tally in Rio five years ago.
Das Symbol der Paralympics im Hafen von Tokio
Image credit: Getty Images
An athlete in the Paralympic village at the Tokyo 2020 Games has tested positive for Covid-19, officials have confirmed.
The competitor in question has been moved to an isolation facility and will now begin a 14-day quarantine period.
Spokesperson Masa Takaya also revealed nine other positive tests among employees working at the Games.
Last week the first reports emerged of positive test in the village, though this was not a competitor.
Tokyo, currently under a state of emergency, recorded over 4,000 new cases and nine deaths as a result of Covid-19 on Tuesday.
With approximately 4,400 athletes from around 160 teams populating the village, the news of an athlete’s positive test represents the first breach of the village’s strict anti-virus measures.
Daily testing, face masks and social distancing around the quarters were reinforced with a ban on spectators, though there are plans to allow some schoolchildren to attend certain events.
“We hope that you understand that these measures are unavoidable and being implemented in order to prevent the spread of infection. Everyone is encouraged to watch the Games at home,” a statement from the International Paralympic Committee read earlier this month.
The news serves to dampen what has been a fantastic start to the Games, following a spectacular opening ceremony at the Olympic Stadium.
A stunning display of dance, music and pyrotechnics complemented the athlete’s parade, ending with the lighting of the cauldron.
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