Tokyo could enter a state of emergency Are the Olympics in danger?

IOC President says there has never been a better prepared city than Tokyo to organize the Games

Photo: Carl Court / AFP / Getty Images

For: Drafting 21 of April 2021

Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), was calm about the possible declaration of a New state of emergency in Tokyo due to the rebound in COVID infections – 19 , three months before the Games, and said that it is only “a proactive measure” that should not worry the ‘Olympic family’.

In A telematic press conference after a meeting of the IOC Executive Commission, the German leader declared that in Japan “ another state of emergency can be declared ”in the coming days,“ a proactive measure before the Golden Week holiday period to prevent the spread of the disease. ”

“We understand. It is perfectly in line with the diligent approach of the Japanese authorities , ”added Bach, who insisted that there has never been a city better prepared than Tokyo to host the Games.

The Olympic teams will be vaccinated at the Games

The IOC is “ encouraging and helping ”the national Olympic committees so that their teams go vaccinated to the Games. “We can already say that a large, large number of the participants who live in the Olympic Village will be vaccinated on their own security, but also in solidarity with the Japanese people, “said Bach.

” We strive for minimize risks as much as possible in this situation . The Olympic Village will be a different Olympic Village, but it will be a fairly safe place ”, he stressed.

Asked where this high degree of confidence that the Games can take place comes from Despite the pandemic, he bluntly stated: “From the scientific council.”

Olympic Games without an audience?

The president of the organizing committee of the Games, Seiko Hashimoto, had already advanced a few hours before this appearance of Bach, after presenting the IOC a report from Tokyo, which l the presence of the public in the stands is a matter that is still “under study”.

This was confirmed by Bach, who once again highlighted that they will respect what the Japanese government decides.

The refund of the amount of the tickets to foreign spectators who are banned from attending the Games ” is still under review ”and is“ one of the more complex tasks that ”, said the president,“ we have before us. ”

The IOC, the Paralympic Committee, the organizing committee and the WHO are currently working on the second version of the manuals that will govern participation in the Games of athletes and other assistants to . “They will have a scientific basis and will be published at the end of this month,” he said.

Bach referred to the draw of the football groups for the Games held and stated that “ promises an exciting tournament from the preliminary rounds “.

This is how the football draw of the JJ OO of Tokyo remains. Powerful groups C and D. pic.twitter.com/dvNShrjrJ5

– A. Gabilondo (@AS_AGabilondo)

April 21, 2021