IOC “Confident” That Rio Olympics Will Be Safe
The Bermuda Olympic Association said it is their “intention to have Bermuda’s qualifying athletes compete” at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, saying they “will ensure Bermuda’s athletes and representatives who travel to the Games are aware of the risks and advised to take precautions against mosquito bites.”
“World Health Organization [WHO] Director General Margaret Chan said on Tuesday Brazil is doing a good job tackling the Zika virus and ensuring that the Olympic games it will host in August will be safe for athletes and visitors,” Reuters reported.
CNN report on the Zika virus and the Olympics
A BOA spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Olympic Association [BOA], along with all other National Olympic Committees, has received guidance from the International Olympic Committee [IOC] regarding the threat of Zika virus at the 2016 Rio Games.
“The IOC remains confident that the Games will be safe, and it is the BOA’s intention to have Bermuda’s qualifying athletes compete at the Rio Olympiad.
“The BOA will ensure Bermuda’s athletes and representatives who travel to the Games are aware of the risks and advised to take precautions against mosquito bites.
“Women who are planning to become pregnant are similarly advised to carefully assess the potential risks of travelling to the Games.
“The BOA remains in close contact with the IOC, who in turn are in contact with the World Health Organization to obtain updates and guidance regarding Zika.
“In addition, the BOA will consult with Bermuda’s Chief Medical Officer, the Government of Bermuda and the National Sports Governing Bodies as necessary for advice and guidance during the lead up to the Games.
“Rio’s Olympic organizing committee has advised that the Games will not be postponed or cancelled because of the outbreak of Zika.
“The IOC has advised that protective measures, including daily inspections to remove standing water where mosquitoes could breed around Olympic venues will be in place.”
One hopes the IOC’s efforts towards the Zika virus are more effective than their attempts to clean up the water in Rio that sailors have to compete in. That has been a TOTAL failure.
Apparently the waters are polluted also with raw sewage. Should we offer to host the sailing?
Just kidding onion juice that would be crazy right?
Sure it’s gonna be safe now that they have innoculated you plus the abundance of pesticides they’re spraying everywhere…enjoy.
Phew, The Bermuda Olympic Associations says everything is fine!
Wear some old spice after shave – Bugs fly away from that smell