Many hoped the Paris Olympics would feel the repercussions post-Covid. Instead they seem to be the “who cares about Covid” Games.

Noah Lyles won a bronze with the virus in front of tens of thousands of spectators, and dozens of other athletes at the Games have tested positive. But organisers have only issued health recommendations, and no restrictions, allowing athletes to compete if they wish and are able to.

This comes in sharp contrast with the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, which had to be delayed by a year because of the pandemic and were held under intense Covid regulations — and no fans allowed at any events.

Six months later, the Winter Games in Beijing had even stricter protocols because of China’s zero-tolerance policy.

French people have revived the double-cheeked greeting embrace — “la bise.”

Fans joyfully reach out at venues to slap athletes’ hands. Masks are rarely seen in crowds of supporters, and people came without proof of vaccines or negative virus tests.

The World Health Organization said earlier this week that at least 40 athletes at the Olympics had tested positive for the virus.