TOKYO (AP) – Call for increased cancellation puts pressure on Japanese organizers and the IOC to explain exactly how they plan to hold the Tokyo Olympics amid a pandemic.
The International Olympic Committee and local organizers are expected to launch ‘Playbooks’ next week, which provide step-by-step information on how athletes and thousands of others can get to and from Tokyo safely.
Both the organizers and the IOC have been vague for months, opening the door to speculation about a cancellation, or another postponement. Some in the Japanese medical community are afraid that hospitals – which are already struggling with local patients – will be overwhelmed when the Olympic Games open on July 23. The Paralympic Games follow on 24 August.
There is also a skeptical Japanese public. Recent polls suggest 80% want the matches postponed or canceled again.
Tokyo and Japan have seen an increase in viruses in recent months, and much of the country is under an emergency order. Japan attributed COVID-19 just over 5,000 deaths and controlled the virus much better than most countries.
Q: What are the Playbooks and how will they work?
A: These are guidebooks aimed at athletes and others – sponsors, officials, media and broadcasters – to explain about Japan for the Olympic Games. Rules may require self-quarantine before leaving home. For sure, a negative test is needed before boarding the plane. There will be more testing on arrival in Japan, transportation in designated vehicles and more daily tests in the Athletes Village, which – like the locals – will turn into a “bubble”. The rulebooks will be updated three times, and new information will be added as the organizers learn more.
Q: Why are organizers confident that they can hold the Olympics and Paralympics?
A: Craig Spence, a spokesman for the International Paralympic Committee, cites four reasons: 1) Unlike ten months ago, scientists know much more about the virus; 2) sports and health officials learned how to hold sporting events during the pandemic; 3) vaccines are now available; 4) The Olympics and Paralympics do not open six months, it’s time for the virus push to make the summer of the northern hemisphere easier.
“We understand the pressures the healthcare system is experiencing right now,” Spence told The Associated Press. ‘But come summer, that should not be the case, because the case numbers have to go down.
“If you’re an athlete or a stakeholder, you will not be able to get on a plane until you pass a negative test,” Spence added. “If you see how many tests we’re going to do (on the spot), it should reassure people.”
Q: What about fans? Will there be any? Anyone from abroad?
A: Olympic Minister Seiko Hashimoto said at a parliamentary session on Tuesday that the decision would be announced ‘by spring’. Indoor venues probably have fewer fans (if any) than outdoor stadiums. And it seems unlikely that fans from abroad will be able to attend. Fewer fans means more costs for Japan. The local organizing committee is expected to receive $ 800 million from ticket sales. Any shortfall must be made up by the Japanese government agencies.
Q: What about vaccines? Will they be expected to enter Japan?
A: This is a fine area. Bach encouraged all “participants” to be vaccinated, but said it was not necessary. The IOC and other sports bodies are warned that young, healthy athletes should not be given priority over the vulnerable and health workers. The IOC member, Dick Pound, from Canada, recently suffered a strong setback when he suggested that the “most realistic way to proceed” is the priority of athletes. Dr Michael Ryan, executive director of the World Health Organization, called the Olympics a ‘wonderful symbol’, but added: ‘we have to face the reality we are now facing – there is currently not enough vaccine to serve those who are the greatest danger. ”
Spence, the IPC spokesman, said some teams have already been vaccinated. He did not mention them.
Q: How is the Japanese medical community and scientific community reacting to the prospect of having the Olympics?
A: There is a lot of overt skepticism. A few days ago, the president of the Japan Medical Association sounded a warning when asked about the Olympics and possible patients from abroad.
“A lot of people will come from abroad, and that’s a large number, even just with the athletes,” said dr. Toshio Nakagawa said. ‘In this situation, if coronavirus patients appear among them as a collapse of the medical system occurs and spreads, it is not possible to accept it. … Unless a miracle happens, such as the sudden explosion of the vaccine or the sudden finding of a cure, we can no longer accept patients. ‘
With the rise of new business, Tokyo and other parts of Japan have been under a voluntary emergency order since early January. It should end on February 7th.
“Right now, a situation that could be called the collapse of the medical system has taken place in different places, especially in areas where a state of emergency has been declared, and it is becoming a daily reality,” Nakagawa said. “If things go on, we may have to triage and choose which life takes precedence over another.”
Q: The Olympics have been canceled five times – all during wartime. Why are officials pushing ahead amid the pandemic?
A: The last cancellations were in 1944. That was before a lot of money was at stake. The IOC is now a commercial, affluent sports business that supports the sale of broadcasting rights for almost 75% of its revenue. Another 18% come from sponsors. The IOC has only two major products for sale – the Summer and Winter Olympics.
Estimates suggest that Tokyo is worth $ 2 billion – $ 3 billion in broadcast payments to the IOC. It has a reserve fund but must have the TV money. In addition, Japan has spent at least $ 25 billion to prepare. Finally, China must hold the Winter Olympics in Beijing just six months after Tokyo ended. Japanese politicians do not want to fail and relinquish the stage of China.
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Associated Press authors Mari Yamaguchi and Yuri Kageyama contributed to this report.
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