Initial idea is to perform tests 72 hours after arriving in the country
Athletes who go to Tokyo for next year’s Olympic Games, postponed in 2020 because of the new coronavirus pandemic (covid-19), will be released from the 14-day isolation period that Japan has imposed on people from abroad to help stem the spread of the virus.
Olympic organizers said on Thursday (12) that the details still need to be worked out, but measures for athletes will likely include coronavirus detection tests 72 hours after their arrival in Japan – but they warned that decisions about foreign viewers will still be taken, saying that a 14-day quarantine is “impossible”.
“Athletes, coaches and officials from the Games who are eligible for the Tokyo Games will be allowed to enter the country, provided that significant steps are taken before they arrive in Japan,” said Tokyo 2020 chief executive Toshiro Muto in a statement. Press conference.
Muto was speaking after a meeting between officials from the Tokyo metropolitan government, the national government and Tokyo 2020 organizers about infection prevention procedures during the Olympics.
He said that a decision on foreign viewers will be made next year, depending on developments in the pandemic. Japan held several test events recently, including a four-nation gymnastics competition last weekend that was attended by Japanese fans.
“Until next spring, we will devise a plan for viewers, including non-Japanese viewers,” he said. “It is impossible to impose a 14-day quarantine on foreign viewers, so exams before and on arrival are necessary”.
