Beijing Olympics ban foreign spectators and adds 21-day quarantine for unvaccinated participants

It's been less than two months since the Tokyo Olympics concluded but preparation for the next pandemic-era Olympic Games is already underway. The International Olympics Committee announced Wednesday new COVID-19 guidelines for the 2022 Beijing Olympics, including vaccine protocols for athletes and a ban on foreign spectators.

Under the guidelines, all athletes and participants who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 will have to spend 21 days in quarantine when they arrive in Beijing. Athletes can submit a medical exemption for Games officials to consider, the committee said.

Those who are fully vaccinated will be allowed to immediately enter the "closed-loop management system" — which will "cover all Games-related areas, including arrival and departure, transport, accommodation, catering, competitions, and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies," the committee said. "Within the closed loop, participants will be allowed to move only between Games-related venues for training, competitions and work. A dedicated Games transport system will be put in place."