TOKYO (AP) – With cancellation requests mounting, pressure is mounting on Japanese organizers and the IOC to explain exactly how they plan to host the Tokyo Olympics in the midst of a pandemic.
The International Olympic Committee and local organizers are due to launch “Playbooks” next week, which will provide step-by-step details on how athletes and thousands of others will safely enter and leave Tokyo.
Both organizers and the IOC have been vague for months, opening the door to speculation about a cancellation or other postponement. Some members of the Japanese medical community are alarmed, fearful that hospitals – which are already struggling with local patients – will be full when the Olympics start on July 23. The Paralympics will continue on August 24th.
There is also a skeptical Japanese audience. Recent research suggests that 80% want games to be postponed again or canceled.
Tokyo and Japan have seen an increase in the virus in recent months, and much of the country is under an emergency request. Japan attributed just over 5,000 deaths to COVID-19 and controlled the virus much better than most countries.
Q: So, what are “Playbooks” and how do they work?
A: They are guides that will be directed to athletes and others – sponsors, officials, media and announcers – to explain how to enter Japan for the Olympics. The rules may require self-quarantine before leaving the country of origin. Certainly, a negative test will be necessary before boarding the plane. There will be more tests on arrival in Japan, transportation in designated vehicles and more daily tests at Athletes Village, which – like the locals – will turn into a “bubble”. The rule books will be updated three times, adding new information as the organizers learn more.
Q: Why are the organizers confident that they can hold the Olympics and Paralympics?
A: Craig Spence, spokesman for the International Paralympic Committee, listed four reasons: 1) Unlike 10 months ago, scientists know a lot more about the virus; 2) sports and health authorities learned how to host sporting events during the pandemic; 3) vaccines are already available; 4) The Olympics and Paralympics take six months to start, time for the rise of the virus to easily enter the summer of the northern hemisphere.
“We fully understand the pressure that the healthcare system is under now,” Spence told the Associated Press. “But, in the summer, this should not be the case, because the number of cases should drop.
“If you are an athlete or an interested party, you will not be able to get on a plane until you provide a negative test,” added Spence. “When you see the number of tests that we’re going to do (on the spot), that should reassure people.”
Q: What about the fans? Will there be any? Someone from abroad?
A: Olympic Minister Seiko Hashimoto said in a parliamentary session on Tuesday that the decision will be announced “in the spring”. Indoor venues are likely to have fewer fans – if any – than outdoor stadiums. And it seems increasingly unlikely that fans from abroad will be able to attend. Fewer fans means more costs for Japan. The local organizing committee expected to receive $ 800 million from ticket sales. Any deficiency will have to be compensated by Japanese government entities.
Q: What about vaccines? Will they be forced to enter Japan?
A: This is a delicate area. Bach encouraged all “participants” to be vaccinated, but says it will not be necessary. The IOC and other sporting bodies are being warned that young, healthy athletes should not be prioritized before vulnerable and healthcare workers. Canadian IOC member Dick Pound recently met with strong resistance when he suggested that the “most realistic way to move forward” was to prioritize athletes. Dr. Michael Ryan, the executive director of the World Health Organization, called the Olympics a “wonderful symbol”, but adds “we have to face the reality of what we are facing now – there is not enough vaccine right now to serve those in need. greater risk. ”
Spence, the IPC spokesman, said some teams had already been vaccinated. He did not name them.
Q: How is the Japanese medical and scientific community reacting to the prospect of hosting the Olympics?
A: There is a lot of open skepticism. A few days ago, the president of the Medical Association of Japan issued a warning when asked about the Olympics and possible patients from abroad.
“Many people will come from abroad, and that is a huge number, even with only athletes,” said Dr. Toshio Nakagawa. “In this situation, if patients with coronavirus appear among them as a collapse of the medical system is happening and spreading, it will not be possible to accept them. … Unless a miracle happens, such as the successful launch of the successful vaccine or a cure is suddenly found, we cannot accept more patients. “
With the emergence of new cases, Tokyo and other parts of Japan have been on a voluntary emergency order since early January. It should end on February 7.
“Right now, a situation that can be called a collapse of the medical system has happened in several places, especially in areas where a state of emergency has been declared, and it is becoming a daily reality,” said Nakagawa. “If things go on, we may have to do a screening and choose which life takes precedence over another.”
Q: The Olympics have been canceled five times – all during wartime. Why are the authorities moving forward in the midst of the pandemic?
A: The last cancellations were in 1944. That was before a lot of money was at stake. The IOC is now a rich commercial sports business that depends on selling broadcast rights for almost 75% of its revenue. Another 18% are sponsors. The IOC has only two main products to sell – the Summer and Winter Olympics.
Estimates suggest that Tokyo is worth $ 2 billion to $ 3 billion in transmission payments to the IOC. He has a reserve fund, but he needs money from the TV. In addition, Japan spent at least $ 25 billion to prepare. Finally, China will host the Beijing Winter Olympics just six months after the end of Tokyo. Japanese politicians do not want to fail and give up China’s stage.
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Associated Press writers Mari Yamaguchi and Yuri Kageyama contributed to this report.
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