The niggling concerns over the lack of flights entering China dominated the online press briefing organised by the IOC Media Operations and Beijing 2022 Press Operations on Wednesday (December 15), following the release of the second version of the Beijing 2022 Playbooks on December 13.
China’s restrictions on international flights due to the COVID-19 pandemic implies that overseas participants of the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Games would need chartered or temporary flights to reach the Chinese capital.
The Beijing 2022 organisers have however made arrangements for temporary flights that will transfer participants from four hubs – Hong Kong, Paris, Singapore and Tokyo – to the Beijing Capital International Airport, which must be the first point of entry into China, and are urging all stakeholders to submit their travel information as soon as possible.
A taskforce has been created for the purpose of helping the thousands of athletes and officials expected in Beijing for the Winter Olympics with their flight itinerary. Organisers have assured an efficient process, explaining that it has worked all year during test events.
But Pierre Ducrey, the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Olympic Games operations director, highlighted the fact that there is an increased demand for flights now compared to during the test events so there is the need to be “extremely efficient”.
Beijing 2022 said it will speed up the process of helping stakeholders arrange their flights for the Games. And considering that stakeholders do not have complete control of their arrival in Beijing, organisers were also urged to allow flexibility regarding accommodation.
As stated in the updated playbook, two sets of QR codes are required to enter China; The Green Health QR code – which requires one to upload proof of two negative COVID-19 (PCR) tests taken within 96 hours of departure – and the Customs Health Declaration QR Code – which will be obtained after completing an online health declaration form a maximum of 24 hours before arriving in China.
Vaccinated participants will enter a “closed loop system” on arrival, while those not fully vaccinated will need to quarantine in a dedicated facility for 21 days before entering the closed loop.
Within the closed loop, all Games participants will be subject to daily health monitoring and testing and will be allowed to move between permitted destinations (including Games venues, accommodation facilities, etc) in dedicated Games transport.
Beijing 2022 has extended the Eastern perimeter of the Main Media Centre (MMC) by 150 metres to provide a walking area for the MMC accredited individuals. The area, approximately 30,000sqm, is also available for live stand-up positions for non-rights holding broadcaster (ENRs).
Source: AIPS Media