Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has vowed to go ahead with plans to host the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, despite a surgeon in coronavirus cases in the host city and growing doubts about the viability of the Games
Speaking in parliament on Monday, Suga said every step would be taken to ensure that the Olympics, which were due to open on July 23, were safe, describing them as ” evidence of human impact on the crown virus ”.
“We will take full measures against infection and continue to prepare with a mission to deliver Games that will bring hope and confidence around the world,” he said.
Japan has kept its Covid-19 workload significantly lower than many other comparable countries, and its death toll stands at 4,500 a year after their first case was reported.
But a recent rise in diseases on Suga declared a state of emergency in Tokyo and three nearby areas on January 7th.
The measures, which include asking bars and restaurants to close early, and people to avoid unnecessary trips, were extended last week to more than half of Japan’s 126 million people. cover.
“To restore safety awareness, I will be able to control the pandemic of coronavirus, which has spread worldwide and is now having a major impact on Japan, as soon as possible. , “said Suga, whose licensing levels have dropped over how he handled the pandemic.” I will stand at the front line of the battlefield. “
Most Japanese are opposed to holding the Olympics this year, with a recent poll showing that around 80% think they should be postponed again – an option rejected by the International Olympic Committee [IOC] – or canceled.
One of Suga’s cabinet ministers, Taro Kono, added to uncertainty over the future of the Olympics last week, suggesting in an interview that the Games could “go one way”.
IOC and Tokyo 2020 organizers are expected to unveil their plans for Covid-Secured Games in the spring. Measures under consideration include requiring athletes to return home shortly after the end of a competition and to block their movements while in Japan.
Japan will hardly have begun to introduce the vaccine – which is due to start at the end of February at the earliest – before the re-launch of the Olympic torch in Fukushima on March 25.