By Stefan Djordjevic/ info@eurohoops.net
The Tokyo Olympics faced a unique challenge last year due to the coronavirus pandemic which forced the postponement of the Games but that issue has lingered on into this year as well, and while the event should officially start off in a few days, there’s still a chance of an opposite fate.
The organizers have been very transparent when it comes to the number of covid cases which can be checked at any given time on the official site of the Games and the total number of infections has risen to 67.
Nine of those cases were announced today. The majority of the list’s positives are categorized into the Tokyo 2020 Contractors but there are five athletes infected as well as 17 games-related personnel. A total of four cases were registered inside the Olympic Village with 63 coming from outside.
With all those facts in mind, the head of the organizing committee for the Tokyo Olympics Toshiro Muto stated the following: “We can’t predict what will happen with the number of coronavirus cases. So we will continue discussions if there is a spike in cases. We have agreed that based on the coronavirus situation, we will convene five-party talks again. At this point, the coronavirus cases may rise or fall, so we will think about what we should do when the situation arises,” he said, per Sky Sports.
Muto isn’t in a position to make decisions or statements alone when it comes to the fate of the Olympics and his reserved answer doesn’t necessarily make the cancellation more possible than was the case in recent days and weeks.
The fact, however, remains that the increased number of cases just prior to the start of the event raises concerns and also additionally raises displeasure among the locals which has been present for a while when it comes to the organization of the Olympics.
The Japanese people have, in a not negligible number, been anxious about the Games which they believe might endanger their health and safety, and there have been various petitions formed with the goal of canceling the event.