Japan ends the COVID-19 pandemic emergency in their country starting March 2021. That began with the allowance of athletes from abroad participating in the Tokyo Olympics to enter Japan.
Japan has ended the emergency status on March 7, and athletes have started arriving. These athletes are not required to go into isolation upon arrival, but they can immediately prepare for the upcoming Olympics. Although they do not have to carry out isolation, athletes must comply with the regulations related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In particular, the rules relating to their training grounds and accommodation. Japan anticipates that more than 70,000 people, including athletes, coaches, and media representatives, will attend the Tokyo Olympics. The government also plans to raise the audience capacity limit after the end of the emergency status.
The Tokyo Olympics organizers are working with the Japanese government in releasing regulations for participants, including regarding the location of where athletes live during the Tokyo Olympics.
The temporary residence for Olympic athletes is in Tokyo Bay. According to the Committee, they will not reduce the number of countries and athletes who will compete. They are still discussing the rules for implementing the opening and closing of the Tokyo Olympics. The Organizer stated that the Olympic Opening and Closing ceremonies could not involve all participants.
So, to ensure the safety of the upcoming Tokyo Olympics Opening and closing ceremonies, the Committee will provide special arrangements. The arrangement aims to prevent the Olympics from violating health protocols related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The athletes who will compete first on the schedule will participate in the Olympic opening ceremony. Eliminated athletes will get two days to leave their temporary residence.
The Tokyo 2021 Olympics organizing committee also released several preliminary regulations regarding the response to COVID-19 for this summer Olympics.
The organizers, the International Committee, and the paralympic Committee have jointly compiled a playbook as a health protocol for foreign participants who come to Japan. The playbook contains some matters relating to health protocols.
The health protocol guidelines contain the steps for washing hands, using a disinfectant, and various other hygiene tips. Also, there are attitude guidelines for supporters during the competition.
The playbook is not just for athletes but is available separately for media and broadcasters. The Japanese government and the Olympic Committee hope that the playbook will help the participants, spectators, operator, and media crews to maintain their hygiene and health during the Olympics.
Also read this – Why Doesn’t the Pandemic Stop the Olympics?
