Tokyo: A vaccine is not a requirement for holding next year's postponed Olympics and Paralympics, the CEO of the Tokyo Games said Friday.
Toshiro Muto was speaking after a task force meeting with government officials, disease experts and Japanese Olympic officials. It's the first of several high-level meetings dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic as Tokyo tries to figure out if it can hold the games.
"It's not a prerequisite. That what I answered. The International Olympic Committee and the WHO already discussed this matter. It's not a condition for the delivery of the Tokyo 2021 Games. Of course, if vaccines are developed we'll really appreciate it. And for Tokyo 2020 this will be great. But if you ask me if that's a condition — it's not a condition."
The task force meetings over the next several months will deal with issues like getting athletes into Japan, COVID-19 testing, measures to keep venues safe, anti-virus measures at the Athletes' Village, immigration issues and the status of fans.
Japan is facing a major challenge, with the public sceptical the Olympics can take place — or should take place. Japan has already invested billions, and the delay is likely to cost billions more.
Japan has reported about 1,300 deaths from COVID-19 but new cases in Tokyo have fallen in the last few weeks. The challenge will be bringing in athletes representing 206 nations and territories where COVID-19 conditions are vastly different.
