The 2020 Olympic games are scheduled to take place in the Japanese Capital between 23 July and 8 August. The Paralympic Games are between 24 August and 5 September. The games were postponed last year because of Covid. The Olumpics will feature 33 sports at 339 events across 42 venues. The Paralympics will feature 22 sports at 539 events across 21 venues.
Covid in Japan : A new wave of infections began in April, but overall the country has had relatively low case numbers. As at start of July, there have been 800,000 confirmed cases and 14,802 deaths. Only just over 8% of Japan’s population of nearly 126 million people is fully vaccinated
Entry to Japan by foreigners from 159 countries is currently banned. No fans from around the world can travel to the games. Up to 10,000 Japanese fans will be permitted to attend, providing crowds do not exceed 50% of a venue’s capacity. They must wear mask at all times.
Covid measures : International atheletes and support staff will be tested before departure and on arrival in Japan. They won’t necessarily have to quarantine, but must stay in bubbles and avoid mixing with locals. Athletes of Great Britain may have to quarantine as there is a surge in number of cases in UK. The athletes also don’t have to be vaccinated. Participants will be tested for Covid daily. However, two members of the Ugandan delgation have tested positive in Japan.
People’s opinion : A recent poll in the leading Asahi Shimbun newspaper suggested more than 80% of the population want them cancelled or postponed. Several towns set to host the athletes have reportedly pulled out because of fears about Covid and extra pressure on the healthcare system.
Olympics be cancelled? : It is possible to cancel the Olympics nut only under very exceptional circumstances. The contract between The IOC and host city Tokyo makes it clear only the IOC can cancel the event. The IOC is thought to make around 70% of its money from broadcast rights, and 18% sponsorship. If the games don’t go ahead, it could severly damge its finances and the future of the Olympics. The budget for the Olympics set by Japan was at $12 billion, although estimates suggest it could be double that. Even though the Olympics are heavily insured, losses would be still high.
Olympics minister and Chief of Tokyo Games Seiko Hashimoto said, “I am very confident we will have these games. We are everything we can.”
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