USOPC requiring all athletes, coaches and workers to get COVID-19 vaccine ahead of Beijing Winter Olympics

The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee took a stronger stance on the COVID-19 vaccine than many other American sports league on Wednesday. USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland announced all staff, athletes and facility workers are required to get their shots by Nov. 1 if they haven’t already, in preparation for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. USOPC personnel must show proof of vaccination by Dec. 1, but exemptions will be awarded in certain medical and religious circumstances. Hirshland said the vaccination requirement will continue into every Olympic and Paralympic event going forward. No other American sports league has a COVID-19 vaccination mandate,…