PH chief of mission downplays Zika scare at Olympics venue

In this file photo, a health worker stands in the Sambadrome spraying insecticide to combat the Aedes aegypti mosquito that transmits the Zika virus in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Sambadrome will be used for the Archery competition during the 2016 summer games. With the opening ceremony less than three months away, a Canadian professor has called for the Rio Olympics to be postponed or moved because of the Zika outbreak, warning the influx of visitors to Brazil will result in the avoidable birth of malformed babies. AP

THE COUNTRY’S participation in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics will not be affected by the persistent threat of the Zika virus to Brazil and neighboring countries.

Philippine Olympic Committee first vice president Joey Romasanta, the country’s chief of mission to the Summer Games, ruled out the cancellation of the country’s participation in the Olympics despite the concern among athletes, officials and spectators from over 200 countries taking part in the Games, set Aug. 5 to 21.

He said there is no indication at all that Brazil or the International Olympic Committee might call off the Games.

“I don’t think that is possible,” said Romasanta. “Everything is in place. The sponsors, television time and even the schedules of the head of states are already set.”

So far, the Philippines has six officially confirmed athletes to the Games. The number is expected to increase when the international federations of the participating sports confirm the list of qualifiers in July at the latest.

The Department of Foreign Affairs recently warned the Philippine Sports Commission on the proliferation of dengue and Zika virus within Olympic Park, where the majority of the competitions will be held.