A high Japanese virologist and authorities adviser has warned of the dangers of spreading COVID-19 infections through the Tokyo Olympics, the Times of London reported on Tuesday, the newest high-profile caveat in regards to the world sporting showpiece.
Tohoku University professor Hiroshi Oshitani was an architect of Japan’s “Three Cs” method to the pandemic, which advises avoiding closed areas, crowds and shut contact conditions.
“The authorities and the organising committee, together with the IOC (International Olympic Committee), maintain saying they’re holding a protected Olympics. But everyone is aware of there’s a danger. It’s 100 per cent unattainable to have an Olympics with zero danger…of the unfold of an infection in Japan and likewise in different international locations after the Olympics,” the Times quoted Oshitani as telling the newspaper.
“There are a number of countries that do not have many cases, and a number that don’t have any variants. We should not make the Olympics (an occasion) to spread the virus to these countries,” he added, noting most international locations lack vaccines.
Already postponed from final 12 months as a result of of the pandemic, a scaled-down model of the Games with no international spectators is about to start out on July 23 regardless of public fears the occasion may unfold the coronavirus and drain medical sources.
Japan has not suffered the explosive outbreak seen elsewhere however has recorded practically 760,000 instances and greater than 13,500 deaths. Tokyo and different areas are beneath a state of emergency after a fourth wave hit, straining hospitals.
The authorities’s high medical adviser, Shigeru Omi, stated final week medical consultants deliberate an announcement on the Games by June 20, when the state of emergency is about to be lifted.
A labour union within the northern island of Hokkaido, the place the Olympic marathon can be held, petitioned its governor on Monday calling for the Games to be cancelled, media stated.
Japanese Olympic Committee board member Kaori Yamaguchi, a judo bronze medallist on the 1988 Games, stated on Friday Japan had been “cornered” into urgent forward with the Games.
Japan’s public remains divided about holding the Games, although opposition appears to be easing somewhat. A poll by broadcaster TBS this week showed 55% wanted the Games either postponed or cancelled – down 10 points from last month.
Read all of the Latest News, Breaking News and Coronavirus News right here
