Tough rules for Tokyo-bound Pakistani athletes

KARACHI: Pakistan s six athletes participating in Tokyo Olympics are required to have daily covid-19 tests for seven days prior to their departure.

According to the covid-19 guidelines for Tokyo Olympic Games released by the organizers on Wednesday, countries from Asia falling in group A are Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka which require daily Covid-19 test for seven days prior to departure.

And the countries from Asia falling in group B are Bangladesh, Malaysia and Vietnam which require a daily test for three days prior to departure to Japan.

However, participants of all other countries require only two Covid-19 tests on two different days prior to departure.

After daily Covid tests for seven days prior to the departure, the athletes must keep all hard copies of their reports while travelling to Japan.

The hard copies are required for PCR Test to be done 96 hours and 72 hours before the departure, while report of one test within 48 hours should be duly signed by competent pathologist of the concerned lab.

Meanwhile, the athletes need to carry thermometer, face masks, and sanitisers (two bottles each to be kept in luggage).

The athletes have been directed to stay careful about personal hygiene and social distancing and they have to avoid crowded places and all enclosed environment till their departure.

On arrival in Japan, the athletes have to show the Quarantine QR code to the quarantine officer and then proceed to the priority lane for Games participants.

Moreover, the athletes need to monitor their health for 14 days (temperature check, and any symptom related to Covid like, smell and taste loss, cough, body aches) before their departure.

The athletes have to present Covid-19 test certificates to the airline staff at the time of check-in at their departure.