Tokyo Olympics.Photo: Jinhee Lee/NurPhoto via Getty
Parts of Japan are expected to enter another state of emergency as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the country nearly two weeks before theSummer Olympicsbegin in Tokyo.
According to theAssociated Press, Tokyo reported 920 new cases of the virus on Wednesday, a rise of 714 from the same time last week. The increase has reportedly prompted Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga to consider implementing a new state of emergency in Tokyo — Japan’s capital — to last until Aug. 22, the outlet said.
The Olympics are scheduled to take place in the city from July 23 to Aug. 8. The Paralympics will kick off in Tokyo on Aug. 24.
The letter came after a survey of Japanese residents found nearly 60 percentsupported the event’s cancelation.
Man in mask standing near Olympic rings in Tokyo.BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP via Getty
TheAssociated Presssaid IOC President Thomas Bach will arrive in Tokyo on Thursday, where he is expected to meet with local organizers and IOC members to discuss whether spectators should be prohibited from the Olympics as well. A final decision is expected Friday, the outlet noted.
According to aNew York Timesdatabase, only 15 percent of Japan’s population has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The country averages just over 20 deaths from the illness every day.
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“The infections are in their expansion phase and everyone in this country must firmly understand the seriousness of it,” said government medical adviser, Dr. Shigeru Omi, according to AP.
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To learn more about all the Olympic hopefuls, visitTeamUSA.org. The Tokyo Olympics begin July 23rdon NBC.
source: people.com
