Tokyo is in a state of emergency until May as it struggles to control the latest coronavirus surge and this has once again raised concerns about the Olympic games.
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The coronavirus is once again casting a big question mark over the Tokyo Olympics. With Tokyo extending a state of emergency till May end, a latest survey by a leading Japanese newspaper has further raised doubts over whether the games can be conducted. The survey said that 60 percent wanted the Games to be cancelled. Japan’s vaccination rate is also the lowest among rich nations, with the population having a historical mistrust against vaccines.
Recently, more than 300,000 people have signed a petition to cancel the Games in roughly five days since it was launched. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has repeatedly vowed to go ahead with the Tokyo Olympics despite the spike in COVID-19 cases. However, Suga is facing a crisis with his popularity and support rate at 40 percent. These were record lows which was similar to last year, when the pandemic erupted.
The International Olympic Council (IOC) is confident that the games will be held without any hassles. In a report by Reuters, Australian-born IOC Vice President John Coates said the Olympics will “absolutely” go ahead. Organizers have designed a “custom-made Olympic bubble” to protect athletes and the Japanese people. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has told President Biden during their summit last month that the Olympics will go ahead.
The coronavirus pandemic has cast a big shadow on the Tokyo Olympics for the last year. However, Japan is facing a fourth wave of coronavirus infections. The daily coronavirus infections have topped over 6000 for the third straight day in Japan. The concerns are growing.
International Olympic officials, Tokyo planners and Suga have insisted the Games will go on in ‘a safe and secure’ way. Foreign spectators have been barred. Planners issued an elaborate playbook of rules last month aimed at preventing coronavirus infections. Tokyo is potentially hosting the Games after 55 years, having last hosted in 1964.
