COVID-19 could disrupt Tokyo Olympics as number of positive cases rise to 71

The chief of the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee on Tuesday did not rule out a last-minute cancellation of the Olympics, as more athletes tested positive for COVID-19. The authorities reported 71 positive cases just days before the opening game. On the other hand, Tokyo is grappling with a surge in coronavirus cases that prompted the government to declare a fourth state of emergency in the capital earlier this month. When quizzed about the rising cases in the games village, Toshiro Muto said he would keep an eye on infection numbers and liaise with other organisers if necessary. "We will continue discussions if there is a spike in cases," said Muto. "We have agreed that based on the coronavirus situation, we will convene five-party talks again. At this point, the coronavirus cases may rise or fall, so we will think about what we should do when the situation arises."

A spokesman for Tokyo 2020 later said organisers were "concentrating 100% on delivering successful Games". Rising COVID-19 cases in Tokyo have cast a large shadow over an event that, having already been postponed last year because of the pandemic, will now take place without spectators. Japan this month decided that participants would compete in empty venues to minimise health risks. Organisers, for whom International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach said cancelling the event had never been an option, have promised to keep the Games "safe and secure". Seiko Hashimoto, who sits alongside Muto as organising committee President, said that safety measures introduced to reassure the Japanese public had not necessarily done so, and that she was aware that popular support for the Games had dropped.