Today, Explained China’s Winter Olympics (feat. Covid-19)
Jan 24, 2022
Emily Feng, NPR’s Beijing correspondent, shares her insights on the intricate drama surrounding the upcoming Winter Olympics in China. She discusses how COVID-19 protocols are heavily influencing the Games, from strict isolation measures for athletes to alarming privacy concerns with health-tracking apps. The podcast explores the diplomatic boycotts by the U.S. and allies in response to human rights violations, as well as the implications for international relations and scrutiny of China's treatment of Muslim minorities, particularly the Uyghurs.
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China's Showcase and COVID-19 Test
- China views the 2022 Winter Olympics as a showcase of its development since 2008.
- However, COVID-19 adds an extra layer of complexity, testing China's zero-COVID policy.
China's "Closed Loop" System
- China implements a "closed-loop" system for the Olympics, creating bubbles for athletes and officials.
- This isolates them from the general population with daily PCR tests and quarantine for positive cases.
Caution Around Olympic Vehicles
- If you see a special Olympics vehicle in China, do not approach it under any circumstances.
- Even in a car crash, call emergency services; specialized personnel will handle the situation.