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Winter Olympics struck by norovirus outbreak
A women's ice hockey match between Finland and Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics has been postponed after a norovirus outbreak.
The preliminary match was due to get under way on Thursday until medics identified cases among the Team Finland camp. A statement from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said: "The decision was taken following consultations with medical professionals after cases of norovirus were identified within Team Finland.
"It was made collectively and in accordance with established health and safety principles, with the health and wellbeing of players, team staff, officials and all tournament participants as the highest priority." The IOC added that the move was "responsible and necessary" and reflected the "integrity" of the competition. The rearranged match will be played in the Rho Arena - a purpose-built temporary arena made exclusively for ice hockey - on 12 February.
The postponed match is among the most anticipated matches this year, with both sides among the favourites to claim gold. Canada are the reigning Olympic champions after beating Team USA in the 2022 final in Beijing Finland, who were beaten 11-1 by Canada that year, still went on to claim bronze.
It is not the first time the Winter Games have been struck with a norovirus outbreak. In 2018, in South Korea, 41 security guards were hospitalised with vomiting.
The IOC took extreme measures - isolating a further 1,200 guards to prevent the spread. Some 900 military soldiers were called in to cover security instead..
Amir Nisi
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