Masks will not be a requirement at the Paris 2024 Olympics

The President of the Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, Tony Estanguet has ruled out the idea of ​​making the use of masks mandatory for the time being, despite the possibility of an increase in Covid-19 cases in sensitive areas such as the Olympic Village, where up to 14,500 people are expected to be present, including athletes and technical staff.

“There is no recommendation to reinforce the device. We have a health plan ready to activate it, if necessary, but the recommendation is that the ordinary health plan continues, which is based, in particular, on good hand hygiene,” Estanguet said on Sunday, five days before the start of the Games.

Masks will not be used at the 2024 Paris Olympics

The organizer of the Paris Olympics clarified that, at this time, there is no recommendation to wear a mask.

French health authorities reported an increase in Covid-19 cases in June, but the situation improved in July with the spread of the virus stabilising in the Paris region.

However, health experts are expecting a worsening of the situation due to the arrival of 15 million spectators, including two million foreign visitors. The Olympic Village, where around 10,000 athletes and their delegations are staying, is considered one of the most critical places due to the intense coexistence.

At his first press conference with journalists stationed at the Games, Estanguet was repeatedly questioned about the opening ceremony on July 26, security challenges and the water quality of the Seine River.

The Games director explained that the recent rains in France, which have caused problems in Paris, have not affected the water level in the Seine River. The river is therefore ready for the opening of the Games and for the open water and triathlon competitions.

“In recent times, the flow has decreased considerably and the recent rains have not had an impact. All indicators show that the situation is favourable,” he said.

Estanguet stressed that security at the Games has been of utmost importance.

“We have shared the responsibility with the French state, the public space is their responsibility, the competition venues are ours. We have 17,000 private security agents a day, up to 20,000 on certain days,” he said.

(With information from EFE)

The use of masks has not been established for these Olympics.

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