Intimacy Rules Lifted for 2024 Paris Olympics
The authorities imposed the rules of intimacy in the 2020 Olympics which were held in Tokyo, Japan in 2021 in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the authorities have now lifted the intimacy ban for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Olympic Village Preparation
The Olympic Village has been stocked with 300,000 condoms, confirmed Olympic Village’s director Laurent Michaud while speaking to Sky News. Michaud mentioned that preparations have been made for 14,250 residents at the village and 300,000 condoms have been planned for the athletes.
Tradition of Condom Distribution
Since the 1988 Seoul Olympics, it has been a tradition to provide condoms at the games with the aim of raising awareness about HIV and AIDS. Even during the imposition of intimacy rules in Tokyo, officials handed out 150,000 condoms.
COVID-19 Guidelines for Athletes
- Athletes were not permitted to leave their accommodations to meet their competitors and in some other circumstances.
- Avoid unnecessary forms of touch like hugs and handshakes.
- People watching the games were asked to only clap and not sing or chat.
- Athletes weren’t supposed to meet each other 14 days before their arrival and the next 14 days after they reached.
- Athletes went through periodic health checks, wore masks, and washed their hands often.
Changes in COVID-19 Guidelines
The global COVID-19 health emergency was ended by the World Health Organization in 2023. The Centre for Disease Control this year amended its COVID-19 guidelines, creating a “unified, practical approach to addressing risk” from the virus along with respiratory syncytial virus and influenza, and decreased the isolation period.
Olympic Village Facilities
Michaud mentioned that they wanted to provide the athletes with everything they required in the village and hence, had built a sports bar. He also stated that while there won’t be champagne in the village, athletes can enjoy all the champagne they want in Paris.