Home / Sports / Team Canada's Strict Hygiene Battle Against Norovirus
Team Canada's Strict Hygiene Battle Against Norovirus
7 Feb
Summary
- Canadian team adopts rigorous hygiene protocols to prevent norovirus spread.
- Finland's opening game postponed due to a norovirus outbreak within their team.
- Athletes are advised to be vigilant about handwashing and communal item use.
Concerns over norovirus are impacting the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, with the Canadian women's hockey team implementing stringent hygiene protocols. The team's opening match against Finland was postponed to February 12th due to an outbreak among the Finnish delegation. One Swiss player also reported symptoms.
To mitigate the risk, Canadian athletes are advised to be highly diligent in common areas, particularly the dining hall. This includes frequent handwashing and mindful use of shared items like condiment bottles. Some athletes are opting to wear masks or gloves when handling communal items. Maintaining physical distance from other teams is also a key strategy.
While the Milano Cortina Games do not have the strict 'closed loop' system seen in Beijing 2022, the potential for illness to disrupt events remains. Thousands of athletes, staff, and volunteers sharing common spaces create a high-risk environment. Canadian forward Jenn Gardiner noted that team preparation included warnings about potential health issues due to extensive travel.
Canada's short-track speedskaters are also exercising caution. Kim Boutin mentioned increased vigilance, including mask-wearing on shuttles and in public transit areas, to prevent the spread of stomach bugs.
