(Reuters) – The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee on Wednesday said all American athletes hoping to compete at the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics will need to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Effective Nov. 1, 2021, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee will require all USOPC staff, athletes and those utilizing USOPC facilities – including the training centers – to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19,” USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland wrote in a letter reviewed by Reuters.

The requirement applies to the entire Team USA delegation for future Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Hirshland said the USOPC had hoped COVID-19 restrictions would be lifted by the end of the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Summer Games, but said in reality that the pandemic is “far from over.”

She stated that this step would increase Team USA’s ability to provide a productive and safe environment for athletes and staff. It will also allow them to return consistency in preparation, service, planning and execution.

The move has the support of the Athletes’ Advisory Council and National Governing Bodies Council, she said, which she added was further reinforced by the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the Pfizer (NYSE:) vaccine and the recent mandates by the U.S. federal government.  

Beijing Games start next year on February 4, 2019.