From now on, more smiles are to be expected from Japan.
Indeed, the medalists of the Tokyo Olympics will now benefit from a small additional bonus in addition to their medal: they will be able to remove their mask for thirty seconds while they take pictures on the podium, announced on Monday the International Olympic Committee (IOC ).
The Tokyo Games, organized in the midst of a pandemic, are marked by very strict health rules and athletes must wear the mask at all times, except to train, compete, eat, drink, sleep or during interviews.
Athletes called to order for their celebrations on the Olympic podiums https://t.co/Jmq5iGQB4E
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"The idea is to give the athletes who competed, when all the others have withdrawn, the possibility of removing their mask for thirty seconds, while remaining on the podium for the photos", declared on Monday the spokesperson. of the IOC, Mark Adams.
"I think everyone will understand that on the one hand the risk is very, very, very, low, and on the other hand, that it is completely understandable," he added.
Before urging the medalists not to abuse this relaxation.
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A sign will be put up near the podiums to let them know when to remove their mask.
“If we find people breaking the rules, we'll go talk to them and ask them to comply,” Adams said.
So far, 153 people linked to the Games have tested positive.
About 85% of athletes are vaccinated, according to the IOC.
"It is probably the most controlled population in the world at the moment," said Pierre Ducrey, deputy director of the Olympic Games within the International Olympic Committee (IOC), a few days ago about the various categories of people present.
Almost all Olympic events take place behind closed doors and the tens of thousands of participants, from athletes to officials, including journalists from abroad, are subject to draconian restrictions.
