Tokyo Olympic organisers plan to give away about 150,000 condoms at next month's Games, but are telling athletes to take them home, rather than use them in the Olympic village, where social distancing rules and COVID-19 measures are the top priority.
Since Seoul 1988, large numbers of condoms have been given out at Olympics to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS, with organisers claiming the International Olympic Committee have requested their continued distribution.
But athletes have been told to keep their distance from each other, meaning fewer opportunities to mix and mingle.
"The distribution of condoms is not for use at the athletes' village, but to have athletes take them back to their home countries to raise awareness," says the Tokyo 2020 organising committee.
Officials have already barred overseas spectators and are asking those attending the delayed event to show their support by clapping, rather than cheering or singing to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus.
Dining has become another issue to resolve.
Organisers originally planned to feed village residents in vast dining halls - the largest one capable of seating 4500 people at once.
But now, the organisers will ask athletes to dine alone, maintain social distancing with others and wipe down surfaces after eating.
"Without the proper measures in place, it will only take one person to bring in the virus and spread it, especially in places like the athlete village," says Nobuhiko Okabe, an infectious disease specialist advising Tokyo 2020 on its coronavirus measures.
"We have to do what we can to make sure an outbreak doesn't happen, and we really need the cooperation of all the athletes and delegations to make this work," he adds.
Reuters
