[ad_1]
The president of the INTERNATIONAL Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, has warned that tests and a Covid-19 vaccine are not a “silver bullet” for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo next year.
Bach issued the stern warning during a virtual press conference that followed a meeting of the IOC Executive Board on Friday. He claimed that he was unable to answer questions about the finer details of the Tokyo 2020 organization as the “situation is changing almost day by day.”
“The task force has to prepare for different scenarios, not knowing what the environment will be next year,” Bach said. “That won’t be easy, but of course, social distancing is being considered. We are also following the development of rapid tests and vaccines very closely, because they could also have an effect and facilitate preparations. “
“But it is too early to give a concrete answer to what the final scenario and final approach will be,” he said. “The only thing we can say is that it will try to offer a safe environment for all participants.”
Bach seemed optimistic about the availability of a vaccine or rapid tests in time for next year, but did not see either as a silver bullet.
“Based on our information and the contact we have with experts, the World Health Organization and pharmaceutical companies, we will see great progress with regard to rapid tests, which can greatly influence planning,” Bach said. “We have also been informed of encouraging news about vaccine development.”
“All of this will play a role and will not be a silver bullet, but it can greatly facilitate the organization of the Games and hopefully the events leading up to the Games.”
A coronavirus countermeasures working group, made up of officials from the Japanese government, the Tokyo metropolitan government and the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee, is evaluating possible scenarios and measures that could allow the Olympics to unfold as expected on the 23rd. July to August 8, 2021.
The Paralympic Games will continue from August 24 to September 5.
Border controls, Covid-19 countermeasures in locations, plans for dealing with infected people, pre-Games training grounds, rules for public transportation, and the need for a period of isolation when being discussed are being discussed. enter Japan.
Bach suggested that the isolation aspect could be a reality, urging athletes to “show solidarity.”
“I said from the beginning, this crisis will require sacrifices and commitments from all of us,” he said. “If you need a quarantine to ensure a safe environment for all participants in the Games, then you must quarantine yourself.”
GOVERNOR KOIKE: BY ALL MEANS
TOKYO Governor Yuriko Koike reaffirmed her commitment to host the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games by insisting that the Games should be held in 2021 “by all means”, despite the threat of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Koike became the latest official to endorse the Games to be held next summer.
Tokyo 2020 was delayed a year due to international travel restrictions and health issues affecting preparations and qualification for the Games.
Koike’s statements were reported by Kyodo News and come after International Olympic Committee Vice President John Coates said the Games would take place in 2021 “with or without Covid-19.”
Japan’s Olympic Minister Seiko Hashimoto also said Tokyo 2020 should be held next year “at any cost,” citing the athletes’ preparations as her motivation.
“The athletes are going through a lot of difficulties due to the one-year delay as their fitness and motivation were the goal this summer,” Koike said. “We have to go ahead with the Games next summer by all means.”
Koike implemented a task force to counter the coronavirus as part of his plans to ensure that the Olympics can take place. This group will evaluate possible scenarios and measures that could allow the Games to unfold as expected.
Insidethegames
