Olympics-USOPC will require COVID-19 vaccine for all US athletes at Beijing Games

The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee on Wednesday said all U.S. athletes hoping to compete at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics will need to be vaccinated against COVID-19. 'Effective Nov. 1, 2021, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee will require all USOPC staff, athletes and those utilizing USOPC facilities – including the training centers – to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19,' USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland wrote in a letter reviewed by Reuters. 'This requirement will also apply to our full Team USA delegation at future Olympic and Paralympic Games.' Athletes and staff would have to opportunity to obtain a medical or religious exemption to the mandate, the USOPC said.