The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that more than 40 athletes participating in the Paris Olympics have tested positive for COVID-19, highlighting the worrying increase in infections globally amid a decline in vaccination rates.
A COVID-19 testing site in Paris, France. Photo: AFP/VNA
The prediction of athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics testing positive for COVID-19 has come true.
According to France24, many famous athletes have tested positive for COVID-19 at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Adam Peaty, a famous British swimmer who just won a silver medal in the 100m breaststroke, tested positive the day after receiving the medal. Not only him, but also Australian swimmer Lani Pallister had to withdraw from the 1500m freestyle competition after being infected with COVID-19.
British swimmer Adam Peaty tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Photo: AFP.
Over the past few months, many countries have faced COVID-19 outbreaks, including at the Olympic Games. At least 40 athletes have now tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
WHO expert Van Kerkhove said that the Paris 2024 Olympic Organizing Committee has been working closely with WHO to prevent the spread of the disease at the event, and that measures are still being implemented. The infection of athletes with COVID-19 was expected.
WHO Director of Disease Prevention and Control Maria Van Kerkhove said that data from 84 countries showed that the rate of positive tests for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, “has been increasing for several weeks”. Furthermore, wastewater surveillance (which is considered an early indicator of cases 2-3 weeks in advance) showed that the actual level of SARS-CoV-2 circulation was 2-20 times higher than what has been reported.
“This is important because the virus continues to mutate, putting us all at risk of a new variant that could be more severe, potentially evading testing and/or medical interventions, including vaccination,” said Kerkhove.
“We have seen more mask wearing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, suggesting that people are taking greater precautions against the spread of the disease,” said Van Kerkhove.
Coaches from the Netherlands wearing face masks watch a swimming competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Paris La Defense Arena (Nanterre, west of Paris), July 31, 2024.
COVID-19 Spreads Faster With Low Vaccination Rates
COVID-19 is still lurking around us and is spreading to every country in the world. Data from 84 countries shows that the number of cases has increased in the past few weeks. The COVID-19 test positivity rate exceeds 10% globally, but in Europe it is more than 20%.
“The virus is still evolving and changing, putting us at risk of developing more dangerous variants,” WHO spokesperson Maria Van Kerkhove said.
Over the past two years, there has been concern about a significant decline in vaccination coverage, particularly among the two most at-risk groups: health workers and people over 60. Improving vaccination coverage is necessary and urgent, said WHO expert Dr. Van Kerkhove.
