Olympics fate depends on vaccine roll-out: Bill Gates

Tokyo — Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has said the Tokyo olympics are “still possible” this year depending on the roll-out of coronavirus vaccinations.

Gates, whose foundation has donated $1,75 billion towards efforts to fight CoVID-19, told kyodo that the next few months would be crucial for the postponed 2020 Games.

“In the next few months, we have to look at the progress we make,” Gates said, referring to vaccine distribution.

“But you know, I think it is still possible if things go well.”

He added: “If things don’t go well, that would be unfortunate, but you know, we are doing our best to help those vaccines get approved and get going for the entire world.”

With CoVID-19 still a major problem across the globe, doubts have been growing over the feasibility of holding the olympics this year, although organisers insist the delayed event will go ahead.

The International olympic Committee (IoC) said this week it was determined to hold a “safe and secure” Tokyo Games, and urged participants to be vaccinated.

The IoC was due to hold an executive board meeting yesterday, with Tokyo 2020 on the agenda.

Meanwhile, Israel intends to have all its athletes due to compete at the Tokyo olympics vaccinated against CoVID-19 by May, its National olympic Committee said yesterday, amid global debate over whether athletes should be given priority access in the rollout.

Global coronavirus cases surpassed 100 million on Wednesday, according to a Reuters tally, as countries around the world struggle with new virus variants and vaccine shortfalls.

Israel, however, currently leads the world on per capita vaccinations, having inoculated 29% of its population with at least one dose.

“As part of the Israel vaccination for coronavirus procedure already 50% of all the Israel olympic athletes delegation to

Tokyo have been vaccinated,” a committee spokeswoman told Reuters in an email.

“By the end of May 2021, all... will be completely vaccinated against the coronavirus."

Much of Japan is under a state of emergency due to a third wave of CoVID-19 infections, but organisers have vowed to press ahead with the Games, which are due to open on July 23 after being postponed for a year because of the pandemic.

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

A British olympic Association representative told Reuters they have not spoken to their athletes about vaccinations and their priority remains “vulnerable, elderly and front line workers”.

The United States olympic and Paralympic Committee said some athletes have resisted inoculation as many raised questions about their performances being affected as a result.

IoC president Thomas Bach has said that although participants will be encouraged to get vaccinated, it will not be mandatory.

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe has said that he was against the concept of compulsory vaccinations and did not like the idea of athletes taking priority ahead of vulnerable people or frontline workers.