TOKYO (AP) – Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, despite growing uncertainty as coronavirus cases rise at home, renewed his commitment to host the Tokyo Olympics on Friday. was dismissed in the summer as a symbol of human impact over the pandemic.
See also: The Olympic Committee says the Tokyo Games are still there – perhaps without spectators
Suga, speaking from Tokyo at a landmark meeting of the World Economic Forum, called for a clear study by the World Health Organization of the pandemic, saying it is essential to learn lessons to prepare for future pandemics. . He also promised to extend an initial grant of $ 130 million to funds to help developing countries get coronavirus vaccines.
“We’re holding the Olympics and Paralympics in the summer,” said Suga. “I want to play the Games as a testament to the impact of people against the pandemic, as a symbol of global intimacy and to inspire hope and confidence around the world. ”
Olympic officials have reiterated that the games will be held in July as expected after a year-long delay, although various scenarios are being considered including holding events without spectators.
Suga reaffirmed its mission to achieve a “safe and secure” Olympics and promised to bring diseases under control in Japan as soon as possible.
“We need to learn lessons from this pandemic and be prepared for future emergencies,” he said. To do this, “scientific research by WHO must be conducted firmly and in a transparent manner.” He did not say whether he was referring to a current visit by a team of WHO experts to Wuhan, China, where the virus was first detected.
At home, Suga has been criticized for delaying virus measures until everyday matters rise to new heights at the end of December. He finally declared a state of emergency in early January, issuing non-binding requests through Feb. 7 for people to avoid crowding or eating out in groups and for restaurants and bars to close. early.
New cases in Tokyo have erupted, but experts say they have not slowed down enough, indicating that the emergency measures could be extended for several more weeks.