Tokyo 2020 is struggling to build momentum and enthusiasm as the final countdown begins of the Olympic Games. But today-Thursday, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has said Tokyo will be placed under a state of emergency for the duration of the Olympics due to an increase in COVID-19 infections.
The emergency measures – which are far looser than the harsh lockdowns seen in other parts of the world – will be in place until Aug 22. The move could lead to a complete ban on spectators at the games throughout Asia.
With just two weeks until the July 23 opening ceremony, coronavirus infections are rising in the capital. The rising cases threaten to derail plans to let up to 10,000 local fans into Olympic venues, and could mean that Tokyo 2020 will be the first Games held behind closed doors.
Many countries in the Asia-Pacific region successfully contained the virus early in the pandemic, but the spread of the Delta variant has prompted new lockdowns in recent weeks. Tokyo reported 920 new cases of Delta variant.
Under the virus emergency, alcohol will be banned at bars and restaurants, which will have to close by 8pm, and concerts, conferences will have to end by 9pm.
And crucially, spectators at events will be capped at 5,000 people or 50 per cent of venue capacity, whichever is less.
While Japan has so far experienced a relatively small virus outbreak – with around 14,900 deaths – despite avoiding harsh lockdowns, its vaccination programme has moved comparatively slowly.
Just over 15 per cent of the population is fully vaccinated so far, and there are concerns that the Delta variant could produce a new wave that might quickly overwhelm local medical resources.
Meanwhile, IOC chief Thomas Bach arrived in Tokyo on Thursday afternoon.
Olympic participants generally will not have to observe the full quarantine of 14 days, but will face restrictions during their time in Japan, with athletes limited to venues and the Olympic Village and tested daily for the virus.
However, polls show most Japanese would prefer the Games to be postponed again or cancelled outright, though opposition has softened in recent weeks.
(Various inputs based)
