Japan will not take part in China vaccine offer

TOKYO >> Japan will not take part in China’s offer — accepted by the International Olympic Committee — to provide vaccines for “participants” in the postponed Tokyo Games and next year’s Beijing Winter Games.

Olympic Minister Tamayo Marukawa said Friday that Japan had not been consulted by the IOC about the Chinese vaccines, and that Japanese athletes would not take them. She said the vaccines have not been approved for use in Japan.

“We have been taking comprehensive anti-infectious disease measures for the Tokyo Games in order to allow participation without vaccinations,” Marukawa said. “There is no change to our principle of not making vaccinations a prerequisite.”

Announced by IOC President Thomas Bach on Thursday, the surprise deal comes as China faces mounting international pressure over the internment of at least 1 million Muslim Uyghurs.

1639

New College was renamed Harvard College for clergyman John Harvard.

1781

The seventh planet of the solar system, Uranus, was discovered by Sir William Herschel.

1862

President Abraham Lincoln signed a measure prohibiting Union military officers from returning fugitive slaves to their owners.

1925

The Tennessee General Assembly approved a bill prohibiting the teaching of the theory of evolution.

1934

A gang that included John Dillinger and “Baby Face” Nelson robbed the First National Bank in Mason City, Iowa, making off with $52,344.

1938

Famed attorney Clarence S. Darrow died in Chicago.