Beijing Winter Olympics, Only Mainland Chinese Spectators Allowed Entry

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Only spectators residing in China will be allowed to attend the Beijing Winter Olympics held in February next year.

According to the Washington Post (WP) and others on the 29th (local time), the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee announced at the IOC Executive Board meeting chaired by Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), that "tickets will be sold only to residents of mainland China."

The organizing committee will also operate an automatic adjustment management system for Olympic participants from January 23 next year until March 13, when the Paralympics end. Participants will only be allowed to move between Olympic-related locations such as stadiums, training centers, and accommodations.

WP explained, "Athletes and coaching staff can move freely within the system but cannot leave it."

The organizing committee did not mandate vaccination but strongly recommended it. All participants, including athletes and staff, must undergo daily COVID-19 testing.

Participants who have not completed vaccination must undergo a 21-day quarantine period after arriving in China. However, exemptions may be granted for medical reasons.

The Beijing Winter Olympics will be held from February 4 to 20, and the Paralympics from March 4 to 13.

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