COVID-19: Athlete infections rise in Tokyo Olympic Village
Sunday, 18 July 2021 (14:15 IST)
At least two athletes tested positive for the coronavirus in the Tokyo Olympic Village on Sunday with less than a week to go before the opening of the Games.
Organizers confirmed the positive tests, adding that both cases were listed as non-Japanese. They said another athlete had tested positive but this person was not residing in the Olympic village, a complex of apartments and dining areas.
This comes a day after the first non-athlete tested positive in the Olympic village in Tokyo Bay, which will house 11,000 athletes and thousands of other support staff.
Overall, 10 new infections linked to the Olympics were reported, including media, contractors and personnel, down from 15 on Saturday.
The 2020 Games, delayed last year due to the pandemic, are being held despite widespread opposition from health experts and the general public.
It will open on Friday under a state of emergency in Tokyo and three neighboring prefectures. The emergency order lasts until August 22, well after the Olympics close on August 8.
