Japan’s Olympics chief says there is ‘no way’ to prevent Covid-19 cases among visiting teams
Two members of Uganda’s team tested positive last week following their arrival in Japan, heightening concerns about the spread of infections at the Games
‘No matter what measures are put in place, there is no way we will have zero positive cases arriving,’ Yasuhiro Yamashita told reporters on Monday.
Japan’s Olympic chief on Monday said there was “no way” to ensure zero coronavirus cases among teams arriving for the Tokyo Games, as officials prepare to tighten screening procedures.
Japanese Olympic Committee president Yasuhiro Yamashita said “thorough measures” would be necessary at airports, after two members of Uganda’s team tested positive last week following their arrival in Japan.
A coach from the Ugandan delegation that arrived in mid-June tested positive for the Delta variant upon arrival at the airport.
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However, the rest of the delegation then travelled to the city of Izumisano for a planned pre-Olympic training camp, but without being identified as “close contacts” of the coach. Another delegation member also tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday.
Members of the Uganda Olympics team pose for a photo at a hotel in Izumisano city. Photo: AFP
The incident sparked concern among local governments planning to host Olympic delegations, with one governor saying they should be held at or near the airport if a member tested positive upon arrival.
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“No matter what measures are put in place, there is no way we will have zero positive cases arriving,” Yamashita told reporters on Monday. “Even if you’ve had two vaccine doses, it doesn’t guarantee every individual will be negative.
