Australian rules say that some Australian olympic team members will have to dtay in quarantine for twenty-eight days after returning to their country from Tokyo. These rules have been described as “cruel”.
Athletes returning from the Sydney route in the South Australian states have it worse as they face a two-week extra quarantine term.
Extra Requirements For Those Coming Via Sydney
This is an extra over the two weeks already needed for all those arriving from overseas.
The AOC said: “While some countries are celebrating the return of their athletes, we are looking forward to our own brutal and indifferent treatment.”
They could not say: “They are being punished for representing their country with pride in the Olympic Games.”
What Did The South Australian Government Say?
Sixteen olympians of the Australian Olympic team have already started their quarantine term in Sydney, the capital of New South Wales.
The South Australian government has said the “high risk of COVID-19 Delta variant in NSW” is the reason for the additional requirements, with the AOC having their earlier exemption request declined by the government.
AOC Chief Speaks
AOC chief executive Matt Carroll said in a statement: “Not only were our Olympic athletes fully vaccinated, but they were also living in a heavily regulated environment in Tokyo, taking all necessary safety precautions, and were tested daily for several weeks.”
“We have received no explanation as to why our application on behalf of these athletes has been rejected.”
A 28-day separation period after returning to their homeland could pose a significant risk to the physical and mental health of the athletes affected, according to David Institute of Sports Medical Officer David Hughes.
COVID Cases In Australia
The province of South Australia, the capital of Adelaide, has a population of over 1.7m and covers some of the driest parts of Australia.
Australia has recorded less than 37,000 cases of COVID-19 during the COVID 19 pandemic and fewer than a thousand deaths, better than most other developed countries.
