 |
| Tokyo 2020 Olympics - Swimming - Men’s 400m Individual Medley - Medal Ceremony - Tokyo Aquatics Centre - Tokyo, Japan - July 25, 2021. Gold medalist Chase Kalisz of the United States, silver medalist Jay Litherland of the United States and bronze medalist Brendon Smith of Australia pose on the podium. (Photo by=REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach) |
[Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] TOKYO: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Sunday (Jul 25) that masks are a "must to have" at Tokyo medal ceremonies after swimmers were seen taking off masks on the medal podium and hugging other competitors in violation of COVID-19 rules.
Masks are mandatory across all Olympic venues, both inside and outside for all athletes, staff and media, as part of Games organisers' strict measures to combat the coronavirus. "It's not a nice to have. It's a must to have," said IOC spokesman Mark Adams, responding to questions about the mask-less swimmers. "No, there is no relaxation and we would urge and ask everyone to obey the rules," the IOC's Adams said. "It's important for the sports, for everyone involved and for our Japanese friends and it would send a strong message."
American Chase Kalisz took off his mask on the winners' podium after his gold medal performance in the men's 400 metres medley, hugging compatriot and silver medallist Jay Literland, who’s also mask-less. A little later all 12 athletes from Australia, Canada and the United States on the podium for the women's 4X100 freestyle relay ceremony were mask-less, hugging teammates and smiling to photographers. Meanwhile, organisers announced another 10 positive COVID-19 cases of Games-related individuals on Sunday, bringing the total to 132 cases since Jul 1.
