Last updated on August 28th, 2024 at 11:28 am
Paris, France – Even though the Olympic Games in Paris attracted tourists to France, cases of Covid-19 in the country did not surge much. According to the French junior health minister Frederic Valletoux, even though the virus was present at low levels in France, no surges were reported and no strong resurgence of the virus happened in the country.
Low Covid-19 Levels and No Mask Mandates
Valletoux underlined that this situation does not merit heightened concern or the return of mask mandates to venues. “Covid is still with us at a low level,” he said, and authorities are not envisioning mask requirements at this stage. “We’re not in a period with an explosion or strong return” of the virus, said Valletoux.
Isolated Cases Among Athletes
Of the 10,500 athletes in the Games, a few have been testing positive for Covid-19 since arriving. Valletoux recognised that there is only so much caution that could be applied: “We knew there is no such thing as zero risk.” Sure enough, five positive cases have been recorded in Australia’s female water polo team and several from Belgian athletes, according to doctors on the Olympic Committee.
Precautionary Measures Taken by Delegations
Due to the recorded cases, some delegations have taken additional precautionary measures. For instance, the French rowing team has made everybody wear masks during media appearances prior to their competitions to further discourage any additional infections.
Anyway, these isolated cases did little to deter Valletoux, who concluded: “There are no strong warning signals at the moment, and the government will be on guard every moment in ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants and visitors during these Games.”.
