Fate of Tokyo Olympics Gloomy as Japan Declares Emergency Due to COVID-19

TOKYO: Surging of COVID-19 cases in Tokyo, Japan has hit a two-month high that nearly ensures the government of Japan declares another state of emergency to begin one week from now and continue for the duration of the Tokyo Olympics. The pandemic-postponed Olympics open in a little more than about fourteen days on July 23. IOC President Thomas Bach has arrived in Tokyo today to discuss about the matter.

According to the sources, Bach has been greeted by the rising cases as he self-isolates for three days in the International Olympic Committee's five-star hotel in the capital. Another state of emergency could prompt a ban even on local fans. That decision on fans is expected on Friday when the local coordinators meet with the IOC and others. The current quasi-state of emergency closes on Sunday.

On Wednesday, Tokyo announced 920 new cases up from 714 last Wednesday (June 30). It is the most noteworthy total since 1,010 were recorded on May 13.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga met with key ministers to examine virus measures and apparently is thinking of restoring a highly sensitive situation in the capital until August 22. However, the Olympics will end on August 8. Suga did not affirm the report but noticed Tokyo's upsurge and promised to do everything they can to prevent the further spread of the infections. He further said that he would make a final decision after consulting with a board of experts.

It is to be mentioned that fans from abroad were prohibited from attending the Olympics months ago. But only fourteen days prior, organizers and the IOC chose to permit venues to be documented to 50% of capacity but not to exceed 10,000.

The soaring cases are probably going to imply that venues will be with no fans, in spite of the fact that sponsors and others may have access. The no-fan environment could include the opening ceremony at the $1.4 billion National Stadium.

Top government medical adviser Dr Shigeru Omi said that the infections are in their extension stage and everybody in this country should immovably understand the seriousness of it. He requested the authorities rapidly take intense measures in front of the Olympics with summer vacations approaching.

The Olympics are pushing ahead against most clinical advice, halfway because of the fact that the delay of 15 months slowed down the IOC's income flow. It gets practically 75% of its pay from selling broadcast rights, and estimates suggest it would lose between $3 billion and $4 billion if the Olympics were dropped.

Globally, Japan has had about 810,000 cases and almost 14,900 deaths. Only 15% of the Japanese are completely vaccinated, still low contrasted with 47.4% in the United States and almost 50% in Britain.

As the COVID-19 cases in Tokyo are increasing, the Olympics support members, and the deserted spectators will miss the LIVE games. Thomas Bach along with the authorities declared that the stadium seats will remain empty.

Also Read: 2 workers in Tokyo Athletes' Village test Covid positive

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