Athletes have to take tests for Covid-19
TOKYO: Organisers of next year’s delayed Olympic Games will require coronavirus tests of foreign athletes upon their arrival in Japan, draft measures released yesterday show.
Japanese athletes and other participants living in Japan will face the same requirements, according to the measures, which are still being discussed.
Although foreign athletes and other participants will not have to undergo a two-week quarantine period, virus tests will be required on arrival and departure, under the plan.
Organisers also propose to limit travel within Japan for athletes, who will be restricted to such places as towns hosting national delegations and training sites.
The pandemic, which has infected more than 31.3 million people and killed more than 900,000 worldwide, has prompted hard questions about the viability of next year’s Summer Games, even as new Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has emphasised their importance.
Meanwhile, Suga and International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach agreed yesterday to work together to make next year’s Olympics a success, Japan’s Foreign Ministry said.
In their first phone call since Suga took office last week, the two affirmed their commitment to making the Tokyo Games “safe and secure” for both athletes and spectators, according to the ministry.
The IOC and the Tokyo Games organising committee have agreed to simplify the Games to slash the costs of the postponement.
They aim to reach an accord this month on the specific items subject to cuts, including the number of people involved, related events and ceremonies.
During the 15-minute call, Bach told Suga the Games would be a “historic” event that brings hope to the Japanese people, the ministry said.
The rearranged event is scheduled from July 23-Aug 8, 2021.