KOI Believes In Prokes Implemented By Tokyo Olympics Host Even Though Clusters Appeared At Hotel Contingent

Secretary General of NOC Indonesia Ferry J Kono (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) said it believed in the health protocols implemented by the host Japan in holding the Tokyo Olympics, even though a coronavirus cluster appeared at a hotel where the contingent was staying.

KOI Secretary General Ferry J Kono said the organizing committee (TOCOG) had anticipated various possibilities to ensure the safety of all contingents who came. After all, all athletes will not be placed in hotels outside the Athlete Village to minimize the transmission of the virus.

"All sports will stay in the Athlete Village because we don't want to take the risk by staying in hotels near the venue just because of the proximity factor," Ferry said as quoted by Antara, Friday.

“Besides, all the posts are in the Athlete Village, there are doctors who we have prepared every day. So all sports that will go to the match venue from there the point of departure, "he added.

Ferry said the athletes, officials, the Chef de Mission team, doctors, physiotherapists and masseurs would live centered in the Athlete Village. The facilities there are also quite complete, namely a clinic, a training area and a dining room.

The established protocol is also strict. In accordance with TOCOG rules, while in the Athlete Village, all contingents are required to do a daily saliva test, limit interaction with athletes from other countries, and not eat in public places and practice at the training ground for the first three days.

"So later the training schedule must use a schedule," said Ferry.

Meanwhile, other support teams, including the General Chair of KOI, will later stay at a hotel near the Athlete Village. According to him, the hotel is guaranteed safe because it has received a recommendation from TOCOG and follows the health protocols set by TOCOG and the Tokyo City government.

Athletes, coaches and officials from archery, shooting, swimming and weightlifting are currently quarantined in a hotel in Jakarta before their departure for Japan on 17 July. Meanwhile, the surfing branch remains in Bali, and rowing in Canning.

The Indonesian contingent also underwent a PCR swab test for seven days in a row as a mandatory requirement for the Red and White team before their departure for the Tokyo Olympics.