COVID is on the rise in the Olympic Village, and after Noah Lyles raced the 200m with a positive test fears are rising of an outbreak in Team USA.
According to reports, at least 40 Olympians have tested positive for Covid at the Paris Olympics.
Lyles finished in a shocking third place in the 200m, and it was later confirmed he ran the race with Covid.
“We can confirm that Noah Lyles tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, August 5th,” Team USA said in a statement.
“In response, the USOPC and USATF swiftly enacted all necessary protocols to prioritize his health, the wellbeing of our team, and the safety of fellow competitors.
“Our primary commitment is to ensure the safety of Team USA athletes while upholding their right to compete.
“After a thorough medical evaluation, Noah chose to compete tonight. We respect his decision and will continue to monitor his condition closely.
“As an organization, we are rigorously adhering to CDC, USOPC, and IOC guidelines for respiratory illnesses to prevent the spread of illness among team members, safeguarding their health and performance.”
Covid-19 is experiencing a summer surge around the world, with a 20 percent positivity rate in Europe.
Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention at the World Health Organization, explained the surge at a United Nations press briefing on Tuesday.
“In recent months, regardless of the season, many countries have experienced surges of COVID-19, including at the Olympics where at least 40 athletes have tested positive,” said Van Kerkhove.
Currently, there are no mandatory Covid measures in place at the Olympics. With just a few days left in the competition there likely won’t be any added either.
Team USA confirmed to TODAY that it does not have any mandatory Covid requirements within the team.
“We don’t share athlete health information publicly,” Team USA confirmed.
Team USA also does not disclose athlete health information, so it is possible that more athletes outside of Lyles could be competing with positive tests.
“We do not have mandatory masking or testing in place,” a Team USA spokesperson said.
“We encourage our athletes to do whatever makes them most comfortable, working with the team doctors.”
Outside of Team USA, Australia is one of the countries struggling mightily with positive tests.
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They confirmed that 44 Australian athletes and officials have contracted some form of respiratory or gastrointestinal illness.
A group of 85 were tested, with 16 of those testing positive for Covid.
Despite the minor outbreak, Anna Meares, the chef de mission for the Australian Olympic team, said they aren’t changing protocols.
“We are treating COVID no differently to other bugs like the flu. This is not Tokyo,” she said.
Olympians for Germany, Malta, and Great Britain have received positive Covid tests as well, with Britain confirming they are taking precautions to keep the remainder of the team healthy.
“As in any case of illness, the situation is being managed appropriately, with all usual precautions being taken to keep the wider delegation healthy,” Team GB said.
