The vaccine queue

and vaccine shortfalls.

Much of Japan is under a state of emergency due to a third wave of infections, but Bach reaffirmed the IOC’s commitment to the Games, which are due to open on July 23 after being postponed for a year because of the pandemic.

Some countries, such as Greece and Belgium, are awaiting government permission to proceed with vaccinations for athletes.

The Belgian Olympic Committee has asked for ‘‘400 to 500’’ vaccines for its Olympic delegation, while Greece’s Olympic Committee president, Spyros Capralos, has asked the Government to prioritise athletes after medical staff and the elderly.

‘‘[We] will continue to put pressure on the Greek Government in order to have all the athletes vaccinated,’’ a spokesman told

Reuters in an email.

Several countries are hesitant to prioritise athletes over those more in need of the vaccine.

Germany’s NOC said they would ‘‘wait in line’’ and not interfere with the national vaccination plan, while the British Olympic Association said the priority is ‘‘the vulnerable, elderly and frontline workers’’.

The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has not issued an official policy, but its medical chief said US athletes would not be jumping any queues to get a shot, though the USOPC might consider buying vaccines when they are available to the general public.

Bach has said previously that vaccinations will not be made mandatory for athletes and staff at the Games. — Reuters