Since the Covid-19 Pandemic began, the majority of festivals and events from around the world were delayed to avoid gathering and a further spread of the virus. The much anticipated Tokyo Olympics, which was to be held last year in 2020, got postponed due to the increasing number of Covid-19 cases and because of health experts suggesting to delay any sort of public events. Fans seemed double-minded about the delay of the Tokyo Olympics as some said that it’s a good move to stop the spread of the virus whereas some just raged over the government for taking this decision.
Tokyo Olympics are due to be held on 23 July 2021. Fans from around the world have started counting days in the excitement of the Olympic Games.
The government announced that fans from overseas will not be allowed entry into Japan due to the Pandemic and anyone who may have purchased tickets shall be refunded. This decision of the government also caused a mix-up of emotions within fans. The majority of the Japanese applauded the government over this decision as every country is in a different state of the Pandemic, some countries are hit worse than the others and some countries are at such a stage where One in every Ten people is Covid-19 positive. Allowing international fans to witness the event Live could lead to a further spread of the virus within Japan, as the slightest mistake could cause huge damage, again.
Japan has already been overwhelmed with Covid-19 cases, over 600,000 cases are recorded to date with nearly 11,000 deaths due to Covid-19. Japan has taken massive steps to stop the spread of the virus, easing on letting overseas people into Japan, and that too in an event that has millions of audience could rapidly increase the number of cases.
Japan is currently going through the fourth wave of the Covid-19 Pandemic. A 7-day statistics report has revealed that from every 50,000 tests conducted, 4,500 people (8.5%) are Covid-19 positive. Health experts reported that the cases are surging again, after which the Prime Minister of Japan, Yoshihide Suga extended the state of emergency throughout most cities till the end of May, the state of emergency was due to be lifted on 11 May 2021. This extension has puzzled the fans and Olympic athletes whether the Olympics will take place on July 23rd or will it be further delayed. Mr. Suga stated that a nationwide lockdown is the only way that can help Japan overcome the fourth wave.
The condition of hospitals around Japan is packed with Covid-19 positive patients already. The Governor of Osaka, Hirofumi Yoshimura stated that 61 residents of a nursing home in Osaka were tested positive for Covid-19, and due to the lack of medical treatment, 14 patients died. MR Yoshimura also said that the current medical situation of Osaka is at its peak, if the cases rise, the state will not be able to medically treat patients.
2021 Tokyo Olympics will witness over 10,000 athletes from more than 200 countries. Health experts from Japan have urged the participants to get vaccinated and immunize themselves from the virus. They have also said athletes should be reached by Doctors and Health Experts to regularly check their health conditions as athletes will have to perform throughout the Olympic Games.
Reports from Local news channels have announced that during the event, restrictions will be eased within stadiums and a limited amount of audience will be allowed entry into the Venue, Everyone within the Venue will be required to follow all health & safety guidelines, maintaining a safe distance from others, the use of face masks and frequent use of hand sanitizers will be a must.
