Maybe they’ll hand out Olympic medals for boredom: Chinese officials are banning spectators from cheering during the upcoming games in a bid to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The elaborate precautions are even tighter than the ones enforced during the summer’s Tokyo Games, as Beijing has maintained a “Zero COVID” policy since early in the pandemic.
Everyone — including the athletes — is asked to clap instead of shouting, cheering, or singing. Athletes must be vaccinated — or face a 21-day quarantine — take tests daily and wear masks when not competing or training.
Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 is sent into isolation and cannot compete until cleared for discharge. Spectators from overseas won’t be allowed, though some area residents may be permitted to attend.
With nearly three weeks to go before the start of the Games, which run Feb. 4-20, more than 20 million people in six cities are under lockdown after recent outbreaks.
With Post wire services
