The head of Tokyo 2020 organising committee has not ruled out a cancellation of the Olympic Games even though more than 70 people associated with the Games have already been tested positive. Toshiro Muto stated that he would monitor the infection numbers and hold meetings if necessary.
But, the International Olympic Committee’s president, Thomas Bach, commented that the cancellation of the Games was never an option. Earlier this month, Japan announced the Games will happen without any fans attending the sporting events despite growing concern over the Covid situation.
Earlier this week, two South African footballers and a Czech beach volleyball player were tested positive for the virus. This bring a total of 71 people who are accredited for the Games being positive for the virus.
The 2020 Olympics and Paralympics have been postponed for a year due to the coronavirus pandemic and it is the first delay in the 124-year modern history of the Games. The Games are now scheduled to take place between 23 July and 8 August for the Olympics and between 24 August to 5 September for the Paralympics.
However coronavirus restrictions over the Games have angered the public. The population of Japan worry that the influx of thousand of people during the event will impact the infection rates. Tokyo itself is facing a fresh surge of 1387 cases recorded on Tuesday. The state of emergency will be kept up to 22 of August.