The capital of Japan reported nearly 2,000 new COVID-19 infections on the day before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics kicked off.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused all the delays to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. A year later, though, the event finally kicked off on Friday.
Despite it pushing through, the shadow of the pandemic is still covering the entirety of the Games. Moreover, the hosting venue remains under a state of emergency due to the coronavirus.
With these at hand, it makes total sense why the public has since opposed the event taking place amid the global crisis. But, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) insists that the Games will be “safe and secure.”
This, then, leads everyone to the question as to how safe the sporting event is and will be. Al Jazeera English released a report on the matter, detailing the measures, as well as all the buzz surrounding the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Transmission is “almost impossible” during the Tokyo Olympics
The IOC’s Executive Director shared his descriptions of the sporting body’s rules and measures on Sunday. Christophe Dubi deemed them as “rigorous,” “thorough,” and “very strict.”
As noted, visitors and guests of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics should have two negative test results within 96 hours before arriving in Japan. Another negative test result is necessary upon landing.
Tracing apps on smartphones are also compulsory among visitors. These are all in addition to limiting their movements to “specific bubbles” while in the country.
Meanwhile, in the Olympic Villages, which reportedly hosts about 11,000 individuals, athletes undergo daily testing. Face masks are also mandatory at all times, excluding the times they are eating, sleeping, or competing.
They are prohibited, as well, from staying in Japan after completing their respective events. As per the IOC’s “COVID-19 playbooks,” they should leave the country within two days of their last event.
Christophe Dubi, then, told reporters in the capital that “there is no such thing as zero risk” despite all the measures. Nevertheless, “transmission between groups is almost impossible,” he noted.
Measures are not reportedly properly enforced
Although the IOC appears to be positive about its measures for the Tokyo Olympics, worries and concerns reportedly continue to grow. As stated, the sporting body’s rules are believed to be “neither properly enforced nor adequate.”
The publication said that several local newspapers printed various reports, detailing what experts and locals have to say about the event. Most of these individuals seemingly expressed dismay, with some claiming that the bubble system appears “broken” even before the start of the sporting event.
COVID-19 situation, and Games-related infections
Reuters noted that 11 athletes have tested positive for COVID-19 since July 2. As for the infections related to the Games, the figure stands at 106, according to CNBC.
Reports also said that daily cases in the capital today are at the highest in six months. The city recorded 1,979 new coronavirus infections on the day before the opening ceremony of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Images courtesy of Wall Street Journal/YouTube