Wednesday marks the start of the 100-day countdown to the Beijing Winter Olympics, but not everyone is in the mood to celebrate, as officials instead race to suppress a widening outbreak of Covid-19.

In February, the Chinese capital will become the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics which is seen as a major point of pride for China. But it also faces ample challenges.

In 2008, the 100-day countdown to the Summer Games was marked by an anticipatory buzz across the capital with music performances, a big marathon relay around the Olympic Green and even church prayers. This time around, it appears to be a much more muted affair, with much of the city bunkering down amid a new wave of coronavirus infections.

Since October 17, China has recorded more than 200 local infections in about a dozen provinces and municipalities and health officials have warned that the outbreak will likely worsen in the coming days.

The Winter Games will pose the biggest test yet of China's Covid control measures, with thousands of international athletes and other participants set to arrive in Beijing.

Chinese organizers have come up with a solution to hold the Games in a bubble around Beijing, which will cover all stadiums and competition venues, as well as accommodation, catering, and the opening and closing ceremonies.

Athletes and other participants who are fully vaccinated will be allowed to enter the bubble without quarantine. Those who are not fully vaccinated, meanwhile, will have to spend 21 days in quarantine upon arrival. And throughout the Games, they will be required to stay within the bubble, hence avoiding any contact with local residents.

The city also suspended its annual marathon, originally scheduled for October 31, while the arrival of the Olympic flame last week was marked with a low-key ceremony attended by a small audience.

On Tuesday, some residents posed for photos in front of a countdown board for the Winter Olympics in the city's main shopping street; Beijing organizers marked the 100-day countdown by unveiling the medals for the Games




Source: CNN