Over 40 athletes have tested positive for COVID-19 at the 2024 Paris Olympics in France, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Tuesday.
The WHO said, “The virus behind the COVID-19 pandemic was still circulating and countries need to sharpen up their response systems.”
COVID-19 continues to spread regardless of the season the statement noted. “In recent months, regardless of season, many countries have experienced surges of Covid-19, including at the Olympics, currently, where at least 40 athletes have tested positive,” Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO’s epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention director, said.
She added that the International Olympic Committee, in collaboration with the WHO, is reviewing strategies to be implemented at mass gatherings such as the Olympics to curb the spread of the virus.
Data collected by the WHO through sentinel surveillance in 84 countries shows that the percentage of positive tests for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19 disease) has been rising for several weeks.
“This has led to a rise in hospitalizations and deaths in several countries,” Van Kerkhove reported, noting that the overall positive test rate is above 10%, with rates exceeding 20% in Europe.
The expert also warned that “the virus continues to evolve, exposing us all to the risk of more dangerous variants that could escape our surveillance.” The issue highlights a concerning decline in vaccination coverage over the past two years, especially among healthcare workers and individuals over 60, she called for urgent action to address this issue.
Several athletes at the Paris games have been affected by COVID-19, including British swimmer Adam Peaty, who tested positive just a day after securing silver in the 100 m breaststroke. Australian contestant Lani Pallister had to withdraw from the women’s 1500 m freestyle due to illness.
In the days leading up to the opening ceremony, multiple players from the Australian women’s water polo team tested positive for COVID-19 and were required to isolate themselves from their teammates. Despite these setbacks, the team managed to secure an 8-3 victory over Serbia on Tuesday.
The Tokyo Olympics were postponed by a year due to COVID-19 and the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics were held under strict health measures. The Paris games is the first Olympics held in a post-pandemic era.