Traveling for the Paris Olympics? Here are the health precautions you should take – National

As sports fans around the world prepare for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, health officials and experts are urging vigilance and warning of potential illness risks for people attending the Summer Games in person.

The Olympic Games officially open on Friday, with more than 10,000 athletes competing and an expected 15 million spectators, including two million visitors.

The World Health Organization new guidelines published last week for spectators travelling to the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The latter begins next month.

The guide, jointly developed by WHO Europe, the French Ministry of Health and Prevention, Santé Publique France and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, informs travellers about vaccinations, respiratory infections, heat risks and alcohol consumption, among other things.

“At the Olympics and other major events, the goal is to have as mixed a population as possible,” said Colin Furness, an associate professor in the University of Toronto’s faculty of information.

“You have people coming from all over the world and congregating. That’s much more dangerous than a bunch of locals congregating in the local stadium where you’re all from the same population,” he told Global News in an interview Monday.

According to Furness, the biggest risks for fans are crowds, especially indoors. And that can already happen at the airport, when you are queuing to check in. That is why wearing a face mask is strongly recommended.

Given the current COVID-19 numbers, he said, “boarding a plane is actually particularly risky.”

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According to the WHO guide, spectators should ensure that their vaccinations, particularly against measles, are up to date before travelling to Paris.

“Measles cases are increasing worldwide, including in Europe and France,” the joint guide said.

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“Everyone is at risk for measles if he or she is not fully vaccinated or has not had measles in the past.”

Furness said it would be “foolish” to get on a plane and travel anywhere without being up to date with the measles vaccines, which are “incredibly effective”, he said.

According to the WHO guide, you should also be vaccinated against other diseases before traveling, such as whooping cough, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and COVID-19.

Furness said wearing masks on flights and in large indoor crowds could help keep Olympic competitors safe, saying the “more time you can spend outside the better.”

To further protect yourself from respiratory infections during your visit to the Summer Olympics, WHO advises avoiding close contact with sick people, washing or cleaning your hands regularly, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

“If you have symptoms, such as a cough, fever, or sore throat, stay home or in your hotel if possible and consider wearing a mask when leaving your hotel or home,” the joint guidance said.

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European summer temperatures are expected to rise again after records set in 2023.

A recent report by British researchers highlighted the heat risks during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, warning that “the threat of a devastating heatwave is very real”.

The WHO also warned of “serious health risks” from high temperatures.

“Without proper precautions, heat stress can lead to heat stroke, which can be fatal if left untreated,” the report said.

To minimize the risks of the sun and heat, fans are urged to drink plenty of fluids, bring a fan, wear sunscreen, stay in the shade and wear long, loose, light-colored clothing and a hat.

Travelers should also take precautions against mosquito- and tick-borne diseases by using approved insect repellents and wearing light, breathable clothing that covers most of the body.

“Tiger mosquitoes, which can transmit several diseases, are widespread in France and are mainly active during the day,” the WHO guide says.

Smoking and vaping are banned in most indoor public spaces in France. If you do so outside a designated area, you could face a fine of up to 450 euros or $673.

According to the guide, alcohol consumption should be limited, as large amounts can lead to accidental poisoning and disturbances of perception and attention.

Furness said “moderation” is key when it comes to drinking, adding that recent research suggests “there really is no safe level of alcohol.”

“If you are abroad and you are drinking, you have to think about your personal safety,” he said.

Parisian authorities are tightening security for the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, which for the first time will not take place in a stadium but along the Seine.

Some 45,000 police officers, including members of France’s special intervention units trained in counter-terrorism, will attend the opening ceremony on Friday.

French officials have said there is no specific terror threat to the ceremony, but should specific concerns arise, contingency plans are in place.

The Canadian government has updated its travel advice for France Last week, warnings were issued of increased security presence, serious traffic problems, large crowds and public gatherings during the Olympic Games.

Warnings were also issued about an increase in petty crime, including theft and pickpocketing.

— with files from Reuters