IOC Medical Director's Q&A on Coronavirus

FEBRUARY 25, 2020

How contagious is the Coronavirus? What are the symptoms?

There is evidence that COVID-19 is transmitted in the same way as seasonal ‘flu and common colds by droplets from sneezing and coughing. This means staying within a meter of an infected person for more than an hour puts you more at risk. There is no evidence of other routes of infection. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually.

Most people infected have very mild symptoms and recover quickly. Those with pre-existing conditions or the elderly are most at risk of severe infection.

Where is the best place to find information and advice?

The WHO website and CDC website give accurate and up to date information.

I am trying to qualify for Tokyo 2020, is there a chance that my qualification event has competitors who could be infected? And if so is it still safe for me to compete against athletes from areas that have been impacted?

The risk to personal health is extremely small. The chances of catching a cold or getting the flu are much higher. Most athletes from affected countries have been kept in training camps or are competing and travelling abroad, so are at no higher risk of infection. To put the risk from COVID-19 in perspective there will be about 5 million cases of severe illness and 500,000 deaths worldwide due to seasonal flu and not COVID-19.

Is there any advice you would provide to athletes specifically on taking precautions?

1. Practice good hygiene as advised by WHO. (See below) This will help reduce the risk of all respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses (as well as COVID-19).

2. Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

3. Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

4. Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.

Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

5. Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

Why? Droplets spread the virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu, and COVID-19.

6. Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.

Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent the spread of viruses and other infections.

7. Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow the advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.

Are there any concerns with using equipment from China?

There is no risk of infection from this source.

What measures should we take at hotels and accommodation sites?

Practice good hygiene as advised by WHO.

How long do you expect sporting events to be affected by this?

It is not possible to predict how long the outbreak will last. Previous novel coronavirus outbreaks (such as SARS) lasted 6-9 months, but experts are hopeful this outbreak will resolve quicker.