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SCIO press conference on pandemic prevention policies and relevant preparations for Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

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Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you, Ms. Han, for your introduction. Now the floor is open for questions. Please identify the news outlet you work for before raising questions.

CCTV:

My question is about the recently published second edition of the Beijing 2022 Playbooks. What's the difference between the two editions? What rules have been updated? Will new epidemic prevention measures be issued before and during the Games?

Han Zirong:

Thank you for your questions. I think many friends from the media are interested in this subject because the first and second editions of the playbooks were published in quick succession. What are their differences? Let me give you a brief answer.

The second edition is generally consistent with the first one in basic principles, framework, and specific measures. We mainly did revisions and improvements on specific measures in three aspects. First, we have added some anti-pandemic measures, such as anti-pandemic requirements for Chinese participants, key information on the epidemiological survey, and spectating policies for athletes. These are the newly added measures. Second, we have provided more detailed anti-pandemic requirements. For example, we have specified policies for athletes identified as close contacts of confirmed cases before the Games, retesting work for people who tested positive, and the work process of testing agencies abroad. Additionally, the second edition details the review processes for vaccine exemption and people with a history of infection, as well as the flight booking process, which has been a major concern to all stakeholders. We have also made detailed requirements for the service standards of accommodation and transportation. Third, we have updated relevant information, such as the time for nucleic acid testing, the ways of sampling, and the list of destinations allowed for all stakeholders, which is highly relevant to foreign participants. We have listed all the destinations allowed in the second edition. As for the question whether additional measures will be put in place before and during the Games, it fully depends on the changes of the epidemic situation in and outside China, especially the infectiousness and perniciousness of the Omicron variant. We will follow up on the epidemic situation closely, respect the professional opinions of medical experts, and maintain close contact with the IOC and the IPC, in order to make dynamic adjustments to anti-pandemic measures. Only by upholding flexibility can we properly address the risks and challenges brought by Covid-19. That's all from me.