Bach’s original plan was to visit Japan mid-May. However, the trip was postponed because of a surge in coronavirus cases in Japan.
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International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach has planned a visit to Japan on July 12, IOC Vice President John Coates said. In a letter addressed to Olympic officials, Coates talked about Bach’s visit.
He currently chairs the IOC’s coordination commission that is responsible for overlooking preparation for the games.
Bach’s original plan was to visit Japan mid-May. However, the trip was postponed because of a surge in coronavirus cases in Japan. He was also supposed to be a part of the torch relay event in Hiroshima. This event, Bach was also supposed to meet the Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga.
Bach’s decision to reschedule his Japan is also coinciding with the fact that people are against the Games. Earlier this week, Bach had said the IOC is willing to send medical staff to help deal with the COVID-19 situation.
“The IOC has offered to the organising committee to have additional medical personnel…to support the medical operations and the strict implementation of COVID- 19 countermeasures,” he said.
A new survey regarding the Olympics shows 80% of Japanese people oppose hosting the Games. Many parts of the country are under a state of emergency due to rising cases of COVID-19.
According to The Japan Times, this survey was conducted after a state of emergency was declared on Friday amid the fourth wave. This has put pressure on the country’s healthcare system. Medical professionals are creating a lot of warnings about supply shortage.
The survey found 43 per cent of the people wanted the Games to be cancelled. Another 40 per cent want a further postponement due to the coronavirus.
