The novel coronavirus pandemic has created a new reality for the global population. In Brazil and in many countries suffering from Covid-19, quarantine was decreed among other efforts to contain the virus. As a result, for more than three weeks, the red-and-black athletes have been forced to leave their old routines behind and adapt to daily life in confinement. Faced with this sudden change in reality, competition cancellations, and uncertainty about the future, the important work of CUIDAR psychologist Dr. Paulo Gasparini has become even more necessary. 

Since the announcement that the Gávea headquarters would be closed indefinitely on March 16, Gasparini has been providing online services to the Mais Querido Olympic athletes and providing support to the committees via the internet. 

"Initially, I explained, guided, and applied relaxation techniques to some athletes to manage their anxiety. I also consider it an excellent tool that can be used at this time. It's clear that they, in general, are dejected and disappointed by the cancellation of competitions and are also without social life at school and college, so we need to develop healthier strategies to reduce the impact of this confinement," said the psychologist. 

Among the tips that Dr. Paulo Gasparini gave to athletes, the first was to inform themselves, but reduce the amount of news about the coronavirus. 

"Stay well informed about the coronavirus. Of course, it's a new disease; we've never experienced anything like this before. However, don't spend the whole day just listening to the news. Try to filter out the most important information and, of course, guide your family," he explained, continuing with the tip he considers most important. "This period greatly favors expressing our deepest feelings for those we live with daily. Often, because we live such a fast-paced routine, we can barely sit down and talk calmly. (...) Affection can be expressed every day. Don't confuse confinement with isolation. We are physically distant, but we are fully capable of expressing our deepest feelings."

In addition to psychological support, CUIDAR (Unified Center for Identification and Development of High-Performance Athletes), aiming to keep Olympic athletes safe, healthy, and physically prepared for their return to activity, provides nutritional, physical therapy, and medical support to the red-and-blacks in confinement, continuing with online consultations when necessary. The physical trainers, aligned with the technical committees of each sport, send weekly activity schedules and help keep the Mais Querido athletes focused and motivated, always striving for peak performance.