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The Beijing Olympic Committee and Chinese authorities have decided to lower the threshold for identifying COVID-19 positive cases among participants, from CT 40 in PCR test results to 35. Explaining this change, a Beijing Olympic representative stated that the lower value will make it easier for athletes to be considered negative, especially if they are in the recovery phase after contracting COVID-19. Conversely, anyone with a PCR test result above 35 will be considered positive.“To adapt to the current environment and support participating athletes, the 2022 Olympics and the Chinese government, with consultation from medical experts, IOC have finalized measures with effective changes starting from January 23, 2022.”
This new regulation takes immediate effect for both airport testing and screening tests. Individuals with a PCR Ct value greater than or equal to 35 will not be classified as F0 but only required to self-isolate for 7 days, similar to F1.The higher the Ct value, the less likely transmission to others; many places in Canada are now adopting a Ct threshold of 35 for the public. Meanwhile, the NBA and NHL are implementing a Ct threshold of 30 for participating teams.
Brian McCloskey, head of the Health Expert Council for the Beijing 2022 Olympics, noted varying COVID-19 regulations across nations. 'We are using PCR testing as the standard, endorsed by the World Health Organization. Each locality will set its own Ct threshold. However, the challenge lies in the inability to determine whether a person is newly infected or in the recovery phase based solely on the Ct value. Therefore, the focus must be on controlling transmission and preventing infected individuals from spreading the virus to the community, ensuring athletes do not miss out on competition opportunities due to false positives.'In addition, the Olympic Committee of Beijing has reduced the quarantine period for those who have close contact with F0 from 14 days to 7 days. During this time, they must undergo testing twice a day and can choose to sample from the throat or saliva.For more information on the Beijing Olympics, please see: CBCInterested in news about the Beijing Olympics, check out:
