Beijing winter Olympics committee launches Covid-19 testing programme

In preparation for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, China’s National Aquatics Centre “Ice Cube” held its first ice sports event to test the readiness of the programme.

CAPE TOWN, April 6 (ANA) – In preparation for the 2022 Beijing winter Olympics, China’s National Aquatics Centre “Ice Cube” held its first ice sports event to test the readiness of the Covid-19 testing programme.

According to state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) the curling events started last Thursday and are set to run until April 10. This follows a previous snow sport testing programme held in February.

The curling event marks the first all factor stress test which includes spectators, to ensure all epidemic preventative measures are carried out.

“Our principle is to test all elements of the ice competition venues,” human resource director for the Beijing 2022 organising committee Yan Cheng told CCTV.

“We need the tests to verify the problems of our preparation work and solve the problems before the games.”

Yan said the all factor stress test would lay a solid foundation for the successful hosting of the winter and Paralympic Games.

The testing programme has conducted tests and drills in more than 10 areas made up of five ice competition venues; and includes event organisation, venue operation and media service.

Venue director of the Wukesong Sports Centre Chen Shuang told CCTV that the trials would also feature the adoption of advanced technologies such as smart thermometers and logistic robots to support epidemic prevention and logistics.

She added that the use of cloud rebroadcasts would support media management and that more rounds of testing would be held in the coming months.

“We will also use the technologies of bullet time and free-roaming view to enhance the spectators’ experiences,” said Chen.

– African News Agency (ANA), Edited by Stella Mapenzauswa