An increase in reported coronavirus instances in Japan’s capital has raised issues over whether or not the Tokyo Olympics might be staged this summer time.
On Thursday, there have been a reported 1,337 new infections in Tokyo – a document excessive – in addition to a nationwide determine of 4,515.
Japan capital Tokyo has recorded a document excessive 1,337 new infectionsCredit score: Reuters
Each native and authorities officers have now warned {that a} state of emergency might must be referred to as to cease the numbers rising additional.
On Wednesday Tokyo’s governor, Yuriko Koike stated the capital faces an “explosion” of instances and advised folks they need to “put life earlier than enjoyable” and keep house throughout the New Yr celebrations.
The already delayed Tokyo Olympics is because of begin in simply 203 days.
And to curb the unfold of Covid-19, Japan has taken strict measures banning all non-resident foreigners from getting into the nation till January 31.
A journey exemption for elite athletes and coaches has additionally been scrapped, amid the most recent spike in Covid-19 instances.
Nonetheless, Olympic organisers are adamant that the Video games will occur this summer time in entrance of followers, together with guests from different nations.
This week, it emerged that athletes must face a 14-day quarantine interval after they arrive in Japan in July.
And that’s deterring some prime athletes, together with cyclists with the Tour de France ending simply six days earlier than the Olympic highway race.
“If the riders have to decide on between the Tour and the Video games, you’ll not have the strongest discipline in Tokyo. An answer needs to be discovered,” Rio 2016 champion Greg van Avermaet stated.
The already delayed Tokyo Olympics is because of begin in simply 203 days Credit score: PA:Press Affiliation
“The industrial worth of the Tour could be very nice. The Olympic Video games are usually not raced in a crew jersey, however it’s nonetheless the crew that pay us.”
The Toyko Olympics, initially scheduled for July 2020, was postponed again in March for a yr because the coronavirus pandemic swept via the world.
The IOC had earlier stated they might not delay the Video games past 2021.
