Kiwi athletes seem to have dodged a COVID-19 outbreak, as they arrive at Beijing for the opening of the Winter Olympics this weekend.
Amid strict testing protocols, one NZ team member was among dozens of foreign athletes to return a positive sample on arrival in China, but has since returned two negative tests within 24 hours to clear isolation and rejoin the contingent preparing to compete.
"A New Zealand team member returned a positive test on arrival, but has since returned two negative tests and is no longer deemed a positive case," confirms an NZOC spokesperson. "The team member is feeling well and is looking forward to the Winter Olympic Games."
Olympic athletes, officials and media arriving at Beijing Capital International Airport face a barrage of tests for COVID-19, as organisers employ a 'closed-circle' approach to containing the virus within the Games village and not spreading it among the general public.
"Entry requirements to China for the Winter Olympic Games are extremely stringent, as Games organisers work to ensure a safe and secure Olympic environment," says the NZOC spokesperson.
"In order to enter Beijing, team members must provide two negative COVID-19 tests pre departure - one within 96 hours of travel and one within 72 hours.
"On arrival, all team members undergo an arrival test at the airport, which is extremely sensitive."
While the Olympic opening ceremony is scheduled for Friday night (NZ time), the competitive programme has already begun, with curling and luge preliminaries.
Snowboard gold medal prospect Zoi Sadowski-Synnott - a bronze medallist at Pyeongchang four years ago - will open the New Zealand team account with slopestyle qualifying on Saturday.
