5 Covid rules set by China for Beijing Olympics 2022

China is all set to host the Winter Olympics in February 2022, and is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring zero Covid-19 cases in its capital city, Beijing. But it may be unsuccessful, as Beijing Olympics organisers confirmed on January 23, 72 cases of Covid among the 2,586 Games-related personnel who entered China between January 4 and January 22.

No cases were confirmed among the 171 athletes and team officials. Organisers confirmed that out of the confirmed cases, 39 were found to be positive in testing at the airport, and 33 inside the "closed loop" bubble that has been put in place.

The "closed loop" bubble essentially separates all event personnel from Beijing residents. This loop includes every sport being played in the Winter Olympics and training site in Beijing, Yanqing and Zhangjiakou, as well as designated hotels where players and other attendees will stay.

As soon as the players land at one of Beijing's airports, they will be entering this loop. The loop will be carefully guarded to cut off all access with the rest of the population. Each of the 25 sites that are a part of the loop have already been hemmed in by chicken wire and sheet metal.

But this isn't the only precaution being taken by organisers to maintain zero Covid cases. Here are 5 of them:

1. Some canteens inside the loop will be partially staffed by automated cooking machines. These machines include a robot arm that slowly descends from the ceiling with a plate of noodles in order to minimise human contact. 

2. Olympic players are also expected to test daily for Covid-19 for the entirety of the Games. Armpit sensors will be monitoring the players' body temperature at all times. Athletes will also have to prove they are fully vaccinated and get tested before and after landing in Beijing. 

3. Interviews with journalists will either take place with 6 feet of distance between them or from behind glass panels. 

4. All designated vehicles for Olympic personnel are labelled with a special red sign on the front, and local traffic authorities have even advised the public to "avoid contact" if they have a road accident with them. Garbage will be held at temporary storage sites, to prevent cross-infection.

5. As far as spectators go, ordinary visitor tickets have not been made available to the general public, and only select residents have been invited to fill the stands. Spectators have also been instructed to only resort to clapping instead of shouting, cheering or singing to support players.