Citing Covid-19 Risk, US Warns against Travel to Tokyo Olympics Host Japan

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The United States warned its residents Monday not to journey to Olympic host Japan, citing the rising danger of the Covid-19 pandemic within the Asian nation simply two months earlier than the Games start.

But the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee mentioned it was nonetheless “assured” that American athletes will be able to participate this summer in Tokyo.

The warning came in a travel advisory issued by the State Department as Japan, which has been criticized for its slow inoculation rate, opened its first mass vaccination centers in a push ahead of the Olympics, which were postponed last year due to the pandemic.

The decision was based primarily on government health advice, as well as “secondary factors such as  commercial flight availability,  restrictions on US citizen entry, and impediments to obtaining Covid test results within three calendar days,” the advisory mentioned.

Just two p.c of Japan’s inhabitants of 125 million has been absolutely vaccinated to date.

The authorities goals to end inoculating the over-65s by late July, when the Olympics start, however ministers say the Games don’t determine of their rollout schedule, and no date has been introduced for different age teams.

In Tokyo, authorities spokesman Katsunobu Kato mentioned the US advisory wouldn’t have an effect on the Olympics.

“It is our understanding that there isn’t any change to the US place to assist Japan’s effort to maintain the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he told a regular briefing.

He said Japan had been briefed that the advisory would not impact the US Olympic team and noted the measure was not a ban.

The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee also played down the impact of the travel advisory.

“We feel confident that the current mitigation practices in place for athletes and staff… coupled with the testing before travel, on arrival in Japan, and during Games time, will allow for safe participation of Team USA athletes this summer,” it mentioned in a press release.

A State Department spokesman mentioned Washington understands “the cautious concerns that the Japanese authorities and the International Olympic Committee are weighing as they put together for the Tokyo Olympics this summer time.”

“President Biden proudly supports the US athletes who have trained for these Games and will be competing in the best traditions of the Olympic spirit,” he mentioned.

Japan has seen a comparatively small coronavirus outbreak, with round 12,000 deaths general, however a current surge in infections has put hospitals beneath pressure.

Tokyo, Osaka and eight different areas are beneath a state of emergency curbing industrial exercise till the tip of May, with studies saying the measures might be prolonged.

Public opinion is basically opposed to holding the Olympics this summer time however organizers say the occasion will be held safely.

The majority of athletes and others staying within the Olympic village shall be vaccinated earlier than they enter Japan, however inoculation is just not required to take part.

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