Beijing, China, December 15, 2021: A senior official from the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games organising committee believes the priorities for a smooth and successful event are now crystal clear following an online video conference on Wednesday, December 15.
The conference was held to explain and discuss the second edition of the Beijing 2022 Playbooks – compiled by the International Olympic Committee, International Paralympic Committee and Beijing 2022 ahead of the Winter Olympics next February.
Han Zirong, Vice President and Secretary General of Beijing 2022, attended the meeting to address representatives from broadcasters, International Federations, marketing partners, Olympic and Paralympic family, press and workforce.
“This Playbook is a joint effort based on consensus and will underpin the success of the Olympic Winter Games,” she said in her introductory address.
“I wish we can have a very in-depth discussion so that we can know about the concerns and thoughts of the Playbook Version 2 in order to deliver convenient services.”
After thanking the relevant stakeholders for their time in studying the 84-page Playbook and for their input, she concluded: “Following this meeting and presentations, you are more clear about the priorities.”
Topics discussed involved health protocols before departure to Beijing, booking flights and accommodation, the “closed loop” system in Beijing restricting access to only official hotels, competition venues and the Main Media Centre, and media operations on site. Everyone in the closed loop will have a COVID-19 test every day.
The IOC said vaccination boosters were encouraged but not mandatory, but that it was critical to follow the 14-day health observation record through the My2022 app before departure for Beijing.
All Games visitors will undergo a COVID-19 test on arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport but – unlike at Tokyo 2020 – they will be able to travel directly to their hotels without having to wait for the test result, which will take a maximum of six hours.
Regarding the Main Media Centre, the IOC said the eastern perimeter had been extended by 150 metres, giving a total area of 30,000 sq metres, to create an attractive backdrop for broadcasters. The “soft opening” of the MMC will be on January 4, while 24-hour operations will begin on January 24.
The situation regarding COVID-19 will be monitored continually in the coming weeks and the IOC said everyone had to be ready to adapt to any late adjustments to the Playbook.