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Large numbers of condoms have been given out at
the Games since the 1988 Seoul Olympics to raise awareness of
HIV and AIDS, and organisers said the International Olympic
Committee had requested their continued distribution.
But athletes have been told to keep their distance from each
other, meaning fewer opportunities to mingle and more.
"The distribution of condoms is not for use at the athlete's
village, but to have athletes take them back to their home
countries to raise awareness" of HIV and AIDS issues, said Tokyo
2020 in an emailed response to questions by Reuters.
Officials have already barred overseas spectators and are asking
those who do attend the delayed event to show their support by
clapping rather than cheering or singing to try and reduce the
risk of spreading the virus.
Dining has become another issue to resolve. Organisers were
originally planning to feed residents of the village in vast
dining halls – the largest one with a capacity to seat 4,500
people at once.
But now, the organisers will ask athletes to dine alone,
maintain social distancing with others, and wipe down surfaces
after eating.
"Without the proper measures in place, it will only take one
person to bring in the virus and spread it, especially in places
like the athlete village," Nobuhiko Okabe, one of the infectious
disease specialists advising Tokyo 2020 on its coronavirus
measures said at a news conference on Friday.
"We have to do what we can to make sure an outbreak doesn't
happen, and we really need the cooperation of all the athletes
and delegations to make this work," he added.
(Reporting by Sakura Murakami; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
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