Paralympics GB Reveals Tokyo Covid Measures
Paralympics GB has announced a number of ‘high tech’ measures it is employing to bring its 600-strong delegation to Tokyo next weekend, and keep its athletes free from COVID-19.
The ‘stop the virus’ logistics drive mirrors a similar regime which ensured that Team GB landed in Japan COVID-free. No GB athletes were forced to withdraw from the Olympic Games because of infection or close contacts.
The ParaylmpicsGB programme was launched with the support of healthcare company Randox, which will deliver test kits direct to athletes, either at their homes or training camps, and has set up its own courier services to ensure speed and reliability in processing the results.
ParalympicsGB will have visibility of a bespoke dashboard to register, view and access results reports for samples that will be taken by the ParalympicsGB Clinical Team and then transported to and tested in Randox’s COVID-19 laboratories, capable of processing 500,000 samples per day.
In Tokyo, from 24 August – 5 September, the ParalympicsGB delegation of over 600 athletes, coaches, and support staff will also have access to Randox point-of-care technology which offers rapid PCR tests results in 40 minutes.
“The health and wellbeing of athletes is always the top priority for ParalympicsGB. To ensure we get our team to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games for this pinnacle moment in their sporting careers, we must first do all we can to prioritise their safety and wellbeing so that they can board the plane to Japan,” said Mike Sharrock, CEO, BPA.
“By partnering with a testing supplier of Randox Health’s calibre we can be assured we have the highest quality COVID-19 testing available – giving the athletes the peace of mind they need to focus on their preparation, training and performance. We have every confidence ParalympicsGB athletes will produce performances to inspire and unite the nation once again.”
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing Director, Randox, added: “Following our testing regime for Team GB who enjoyed an incredibly successful Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, we are delighted we can extend our gold-standard PCR testing to the ParalympicsGB athletes ahead of their competing in the Paralympics.
“It is an honour to provide our COVID-19 testing service to ParalympicsGB, so the athletes can travel to Tokyo to achieve their dream of competing in the sport they have trained so hard for, and we can help to keep them safe along the way.”
