Tokyo Olympics: Athletes allowed to remove masks for 30 seconds on podium

The Tokyo Olympics is currently being held amidst the pandemic, with strict health measures in place, as the athletes have been asked to wear the mask at all non-performance times. However, they can remove it temporarily on the podium.

The Tokyo Olympics continues to be performed in the best possible and safest manner despite the world battling the irate COVID-19 pandemic. Among the general safety measures for the participants, wearing the mask is mandatory at all non-performance times.

However, the organisers have somewhat relaxed the mask rules. According to the latest press release by the International Olympic Committee, the athletes can remove their masks for 30 seconds while on the podium to smile at the cameras and capture the happy moment.

Below are the further details of the same as per the IOC release:
1. After full completion of the anthem, while still on the podium, the athletes are invited, by a visual sign, to take off their masks for a photo opportunity for a maximum of 30 seconds. At no point during this limited time should the athletes be invited to join each other on the gold-medal platform. They must remain on their dedicated platform, respecting the original distance.
2. The athletes are invited to put their masks back on by a visual sign before any other photo opportunity.
3. The silver and bronze medallists join the gold medallist on the latter’s platform for a photo opportunity with masks on.
4. The medallists step down from the podium for close-up pictures wearing their masks.

NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitise, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona