Could Tokyo’s state of emergency affect the state of play in Japan?
On July 7, Japanese officials announced that Tokyo would be placed under a state of emergency, once again affecting the Olympic games set to take place in the country.
Japan has been facing coronavirus concerns again, with a low vaccination rate and increasing number of cases forcing prime minister Yoshihide Suga to once again call for a state of emergency in Tokyo, which will last the duration of the Olympic games. The state of emergency is set to end on Aug. 22.
The good news for athletes planning heading to Japan to partake in the games: The Japanese government plans to proceed with the 2021 Olympics as planned, but under strict coronavirus protocols.
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The decision will push organizers into certain restrictions, including how many spectators will be allowed in to view games; the IOC is expected to convene on July 9 to discuss and determine what measures to be taken.
While most of the game’s events are housed in stadiums and arenas within Tokyo city limits, some will be housed outside of Tokyo’s boundaries.
The state of emergency is Tokyo’s fourth since the pandemic arrived last year, with the IOC eventually opting to push the Olympic Games back a year.
Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike has made it clear she plans for the games to take place as safely as possible.