Breaking down Tokyo Olympics’ COVID-19 protocols and what happens if an athlete tests positive

Here’s a look at the COVID-19 rules the International Olympics Committee has in place for the Tokyo Games.

Despite the Tokyo Olympics being postponed a year, they’re still being held during the global COVID-19 pandemic and while Tokyo is in a state of emergency.

The International Olympics Committee, to try to limit the spread of the coronavirus and keep athletes and those around them safe, outlined several protocols that people at the Games will be required to follow. However, those regulations and procedures are already being challenged, with several athletes testing positive for COVID-19 at the Games.

Athletes are working with specifically assigned COVID-19 Liaison Officers while at the Olympics, and they had to identify their regular contacts during this time and complete an activity plan, which includes permitted destinations that are considered critical for their participation in the Games. They’re also only allow to leave the Olympic Village or their hotels to go to those destinations.

The 70-page playbook is detailed and a lot to keep track of, so here’s a breakdown of the key points for athletes, including how they’re tested for COVID-19 and what happens if they test positive while at the Olympics.

All information is according to the IOC’s playbook for athletes and officials, and the latest and final version was released in June.