Update on the Novel COVID-19 from IOC
Updated Date: 4th March, 2020
NEW - Advice to NOCs on communications
Since we posted the first IOC update on the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the NOCnet last 14 February, there have been cases and outbreaks of the disease in several countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) have not declared a pandemic and the cases are still clustered with the respective national authorities focusing on containment measures. Seeing as there is a risk of significant travel disruption due to the cancellation of flights and other transport, and the changing restrictions on entry by different government authorities, the IOC has temporarily amended its travel policy for staff and advisors and only essential travels will be allowed. All alternatives to travelling should be explored.
Information concerning the coronavirus and the preparations for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020:
The preparations for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 are continuing as planned. Countermeasures against infectious diseases constitute an important part of Tokyo 2020’s plans to host safe and secure Games. Tokyo 2020 will continue to collaborate with all the relevant organisations that are carefully monitoring any incidence of infectious diseases, and will review any countermeasures that may be necessary with all the organisations concerned. In addition, the IOC is in contact with the World Health Organization as well as its own medical experts. We have full confidence that the relevant authorities, in particular in Japan and China, will take all the necessary measures to address the situation. Tokyo 2020 is working in cooperation with the National and International Federations ahead of test events and is following guidance from the Japanese authorities. The Torch Relay is expected to take place as planned. The situation is being monitored carefully and Tokyo 2020 is collaborating closely with the regional prefectures to assess the local context. The IOC is working with the International Federations and the relevant NOCs concerning the participation of their athletes in qualifying events for the Olympic Games.
Medical information and recommendations
There is evidence that COVID-19 is transmitted in the same way as seasonal flu and common colds by droplets from sneezing and coughing. This means staying within a meter of an infected person for more than an hour puts you more at risk. There is no evidence of other routes of infection. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Most people infected have very mild symptoms and recover quickly. Those with pre-existing conditions or the elderly are most at risk of severe infection. Please find below a few important recommendations:
1. Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
2. Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
3. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
4. Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Why? Droplets spread the virus. By following good respiratory hygiene, you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
It is not possible to predict how long the outbreak will last. Previous novel coronavirus outbreaks (such as SARS) lasted 6-9 months, but as this is a new virus, the outcome is unknown. It may continue as a relatively mild flu like illness and spread widely, it may disappear during the Spring / Summer, or it may continue as sporadic outbreaks with some severe cases. The current focus of public authorities is on containment with isolation of cases and clusters of cases, as well as mitigation and prevention. The policies put in place by sports organisations need to be sensible and proportionate to minimise the risk to individuals and reduce the chances of transmission. These policies will depend on the event, sport, geography and timing.
Further advice is available on the WHO and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites:
