As the world grapples with another surge in Covid cases, the 2024 Paris Olympics have become a battleground for the virus. Despite at least 40 athletes testing positive, the Games continue with a controversial laissez-faire approach towards the pandemic.
US track star Noah Lyles, who tested positive for Covid just days before competing in the men’s 200-meter race, still took to the track and won a bronze medal. However, he struggled with shortness of breath and chest pain post-race, attributing his performance to the virus.
This relaxed attitude towards Covid at such a massive event raises important questions about how society should navigate the virus in both public gatherings and everyday life moving forward. With Covid still a significant concern, experts like Maria Van Kerkhove from the WHO caution against downplaying the risks.
Contrary to the strict protocols of recent Olympics, the 2024 Paris Games have no specific rules regarding Covid, relying on individual athletes and teams to manage cases. This approach is concerning for public health experts, who emphasize the uniqueness and severity of Covid compared to other illnesses.
Mark Cameron warns about the evolving nature of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which continues to produce variants like FLiRT that are highly transmissible. While not necessarily more severe, these variants pose a significant public health risk.
Epidemiologist Brian Labus stresses the gravity of Covid, highlighting its higher death rates, potential for severe illness, and the lingering issue of long Covid. A concerning percentage of US adults are experiencing symptoms for months after initial infection.