IOC: 60% of overseas athletes to be vaccinated before Games

The International Olympic Committee estimates that about 60% of the 10,000 overseas athletes at the Tokyo Olympics will be vaccinated against the novel coronavirus before coming to Japan, according to sources involved in the Games.

Some countries have already begun vaccinating their athletes.

It is possible the estimate could grow higher, and those involved expect a boost in safety at the Games if vaccinations progress.

The United States and South Korea have already stated plans to inoculate their athletes. The IOC believes that more than half of the 200 participating countries and regions will inoculate their athletes, and informed the Organizing Committee and the Japanese government of this at the five-party meeting on April 28.

Since a mass outbreak at the athletes village could suspend the Games, the IOC strongly supports inoculating athletes to prevent an outbreak.

In the second edition of the Playbook for athletes and officials, the Organizing Committee states that “the IOC will work with the NOCs [National Olympic Committees] to encourage and assist their athletes, officials and stakeholders to get vaccinated in their home countries.”

But it clearly notes, “You will not be required to have received a vaccine in order to participate in the Games.”

At this point, the government has not determined whether it will prioritize vaccinations for Japanese athletes. (May 3)