Finland and Switzerland Face Off After Virus Scare at Olympics
Milan – The women’s hockey tournament at the Milan Cortina Olympics is moving forward, but not without a hurdle. Both Finland and Switzerland have been dealing with a stomach virus that affected their players.
Finland started their game against the United States with a full team of players, just two days after their game against Canada was put off. Thirteen players had to stay away because of a norovirus.
The coach of Finland, Tero Lehtera, stated that his team was ready to play the U.S. no matter what, even after a practice where several players were absent.
Switzerland also got ready to play Canada, after one player tested positive for the norovirus. The Swiss team spent a night away from others and missed the opening ceremony.
Hanspeter Betschart, the main doctor for Switzerland, said that the time for the virus to show up had passed. He believes the game can go on as long as no more players show signs of being sick. The team did not say which player was sick.
Olympic leaders are saying the virus cases are not a big problem. Christophe Dubi, an Olympic executive, said that it’s only a few athletes and that the right steps are being taken. Mark Adams, a spokesman for the International Olympic Committee, said that doctors don’t think the cases on the two teams are related.
Sandra Abstreiter, a goalie for Germany, said that players are being careful, like not shaking hands without gloves. After Germany’s win over Japan, the teams saluted the crowd without getting close to each other.
Abstreiter added that they are cleaning things often and not sharing items. She said that the medical team is taking care of the issue.
Jeff MacLeod, the coach for Germany, said that medical staff have told players to report any signs of sickness right away.
