- Face masks reinstated as mandatory in cycling events
- Face masks make a comeback in English hospitals
- Heading to the Olympics - no masks required
Face masks reinstated as mandatory in cycling events
The prestigious Tour de France race has updated its COVID-19 protocols, mandating protective face masks for race organizers, media, and guests when interacting with cyclists and team personnel[1].
The announcement came from Amaury Sport Organization (ASO), the entity behind the Tour de France, following recent cases of COVID-19 infections among cyclists. ASO specified that masks are now compulsory in the mixed zone at the finish line, parking areas, and team buses to mitigate health risks.
"In order to limit health risks, it is now compulsory to wear a mask in the various areas where you will be in contact with the riders and members of the cycling teams," the ASO said in a statement.
Cyclists Tom Pidcock (INEOS Grenadiers), Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates), and Michael Morkov (Astana-Qazaqstan) have withdrawn due to COVID-19, while Geraint Thomas (INEOS Grenadiers) remains in the race despite testing positive. This is currently still allowed by the rules.
"There are many people at the start and finish lines. COVID-19 doesn't just enter the peloton; it comes from outside," remarked cyclist Remco Evenepoel of Team Soudal-QuickStep.
Since 2020, Tour de France organizers have consistently implemented COVID-19 management plans. Now the race enters its final week[2].
Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogacar clinched victory in Stage 14 on July 14 at Plateau de Beille, securing the lead in the overall standings ahead of Danish cyclist Jon Vingegaard by over a minute. The Slovenian also leads the overall standings, with J. Vingegaard just over three minutes behind.
Amid the reintroduction of face masks in cycling, experts note France's recent uptick in COVID-19 cases, attributed to the FLiRT variant. The French Public Health Service reports stabilization and a slight decline in cases. FLiRT, a dominant strain globally, originated as a subvariant of JN.1, prevalent in the US and Australia.
Despite ongoing debates, medical professionals acknowledge varying viewpoints on mask efficacy[3]. Some argue masks are redundant now due to high population immunity and less severe variants, echoing sentiments published in the Annals of Internal Medicine last year.
"While this was critical in the earlier stages of the pandemic, we have entered a more stable phase with high population immunity, long-term protection against severe disease, many less virulent variants, and other important and favorable developments," the doctors said in a statement.
Concerns over prolonged mask use include mouth breathing, potentially leading to oral health issues like gum disease. Continuous wear may compromise skin integrity, causing irritation, dryness, and redness. Studies suggest prolonged use might elevate the risk of certain health conditions, including testicular diseases and complications during pregnancy leading to the increasing chance of the newborn dying in the womb[4].
Face masks make a comeback in English hospitals
The British press reports that several hospitals in England are reintroducing face masks as COVID-19 infections among patients have risen.
Patients, visitors, and hospital staff are now mandated to wear masks in clinical areas at Royal Stoke University Hospital and Staffordshire County Hospital. Worcestershire Hospital has similarly enforced this measure to safeguard patients, their families, and medical personnel[5].
Presently, these hospitals are treating several hundred COVID-19 patients, marking the highest tally since December 2023. Staffordshire alone has 108 coronavirus patients, while two wards at Stoke Royal Infirmary are at full capacity.
However, it's premature to label this a resurgence in COVID-19 infections, as testing rates remain significantly lower than in late 2021 and 2022 when England experienced peaks of nearly 300,000 new cases daily. Currently, there are no indications that such high numbers are imminent.
Heading to the Olympics - no masks required
Despite the resurgence of face masks at hospitals and in some sports events, there are currently no plans to implement such measures at the upcoming Paris Olympics. Unlike the recent Tokyo Olympics, athletes will not be obligated to wear masks, undergo daily testing, or maintain social distancing[6].
During the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, spectators were largely limited to coaches, security personnel, and volunteers, occupying only a fraction of the seats as the stands remained mostly empty. Additionally, the traditional post-event ritual of athletes supporting their peers in other sports was prohibited.
Now, in Paris, these restrictions are being lifted. To underscore the festive atmosphere, Paris has organized a grand opening ceremony for the Games along the Seine River.
A procession of national flags and athletes will float in a flotilla along the winding river through the city center. Organizers have announced that 326,000 tickets will be available for what is slated to be the largest Olympic opening ceremony in history.
The Paris Olympics are scheduled to commence on July 26 and will run until August 11, with over 10,000 athletes expected to compete.
