French and Australian officials are downplaying the risk of a COVID cluster at the Paris Olympics after an Australian water polo player tested positive. Despite this, Australia’s Olympic team is taking precautionary measures. French authorities and the World Health Organization report only a moderate increase in COVID cases, emphasizing that the situation is under control, reports Reuters.
Australian Water Polo Player Tests Positive
French and Australian officials are minimizing concerns about a COVID cluster at the Paris Olympics after an Australian water polo player tested positive for the virus and was subsequently isolated. The Paris 2024 Olympics are intended to be the first post-pandemic summer games, in contrast to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which were postponed by a year and held largely without spectators.
Australia’s Approach to COVID
Australia’s Olympic team chief, Anna Meares, emphasized that COVID-19 is being treated similarly to other illnesses, like the flu. “This is not Tokyo,” Meares said in a press conference. She noted that the infected athlete’s teammates would wear masks and adhere to social distancing measures, with all close contacts tested for the virus. “It was late last night when she presented with symptoms, and having our testing equipment means we can quickly diagnose and treat,” Meares added. The athlete is reportedly not seriously ill.
Additional Positive Case and Response
The Australian Olympic Committee later reported a second positive case among the team, a close contact of the first athlete. However, no other athletes have been diagnosed with COVID-19. The first athlete chose not to train with her teammates on Tuesday afternoon, while the second player, feeling well, participated in training. Neither athlete was named.
Moderate Increase in France’s COVID Cases
The French government and the World Health Organization indicated there is only a moderate rise in COVID-19 cases in the country. “There is no big risk of a cluster,” Health Minister Frederic Valletoux told broadcaster Franceinfo. Valletoux noted that COVID is present but emphasized that the current situation is far less severe than in previous years. He added that there is no obligation to wear a mask due to the low number of cases.
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Source: Reuters
