INTERNATIONAL: With less than two months to go before the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games, the organizing committee, together with the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee, published the second edition of the playbook that outlines COVID-19 countermeasures for the Games. Like the first edition, the Playbook offers separate versions for athletes and team officials, as well as other stakeholders, including the Olympic and Paralympic Family, press and broadcasters, International Federations and the general workforce.

The latest updates include information requested directly by stakeholders and from feedback received during various briefings held since October, with additional information about vaccinations; customs entry requirements; flight booking; pre-departure testing; the pre-Games period; the closed-loop system; accommodation; transport; food and beverage; screening testing; health monitoring; close contact management; and the period between the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

According to the new playbook, all persons coming to China for the Olympic Games will be put under closed-loop management during their stay in China. The closed-loop system will also allow Games participants to enter China without going through a compulsory quarantine if they have completed COVID-19 vaccination 14 days or more before their arrival. Anyone not fully vaccinated according to the playbook will need to quarantine for 21 days before entering the closed-loop system.

According to the organizers, further policies and briefings will continue to be provided over the coming weeks. Acknowledging the continually evolving global health situation, any additional, necessary countermeasures will be implemented right up to and during Games time, to ensure the safety of all the participants and the local population. The Olympic Winter Games will take place between February 4 and 20, 2022, and the Paralympic Winter Games will be held from March 4 to 13.