"Disqualification or Expulsion for Biting or Kissing Medals"... Changing Olympic Scenes Due to COVID-19

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Due to COVID-19, actions such as kissing or biting medals are prohibited, significantly changing the podium scenes at this Tokyo Olympics.

Recently, AFP reported on the changes at the Tokyo Olympics due to COVID-19. According to the report, medalists must attend the award ceremony wearing masks at all times, and they must place the medals around their own necks.

Additionally, strict quarantine rules prohibit actions like kissing or biting the medals. Physical contact such as handshakes, hugs, and high-fives between athletes is also forbidden. If quarantine rules are violated, participants may be disqualified or, in severe cases, expelled from Japan.

The media also reported that the opening ceremony on the 23rd will be held on a smaller scale compared to past Olympics. Although the Tokyo National Stadium, where the ceremony takes place, can accommodate up to 68,000 people, only certain personnel such as International Olympic Committee (IOC) officials and diplomatic envoys are expected to attend the ceremony in person.

Meanwhile, 96% of the entire event schedule will be held without spectators, which is a major difference from previous Olympics. A new regulation requires athletes to leave the Olympic Village within 48 hours after completing their events.

Since the 1988 Seoul Olympics, condoms have been distributed in the Olympic Village, but this year, to minimize contact between athletes during the Olympics, they will be given as souvenirs when athletes leave the village.