The World Health Organization (WHO) said on August 6 that more than 40 athletes at the 2024 Olympics have tested positive for Covid-19.

The WHO said the virus that causes Covid-19 is still circulating and countries need to strengthen their response systems. Some famous athletes have contracted Covid-19 at this year’s Olympics in Paris, France, and it has more or less affected their performance in competition.

Hot warning: Covid-19 attacks 2024 Olympics, many athletes infected - Photo 1.

Many coaches and athletes wear masks to avoid infection after many Covid-19 cases were detected.

AFP

British swimmer Adam Peaty said he tested positive for Covid-19 after winning silver in the 100m breaststroke because he was feeling unwell. Australian medal hope Lani Pallister withdrew from the women’s 1500m freestyle after falling ill and also tested positive for the virus.

Data from 84 countries shows that the rate of positive tests for SARS-CoV-2 — the virus that causes Covid-19 — has been rising for several weeks, said Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s director of disease preparedness. “The virus continues to evolve and change, putting us all at risk of contracting a potentially more severe virus that may be harder to detect and/or counteract our health interventions, including vaccination,” Van Kerkhove added.

Hot warning: Covid-19 attacks 2024 Olympics, many athletes infected - Photo 2.

British swimmer Adam Peaty, one of the famous athletes competing at the 2024 Olympics, is infected with Covid-19

AFP

Respiratory viruses tend to increase in transmission during colder months. However, the WHO has warned that in recent months, regardless of the season, many countries have experienced Covid-19 outbreaks, including the 2024 Olympics, where at least 40 athletes have tested positive. “It’s not surprising to see athletes getting infected because, as I said before, this virus is spreading quite rapidly in other countries,” Van Kerkhove stressed.