Visiting foreign journalists covering the Tokyo Olympics will likely be tracked by GPS to monitor their activities, Seiko Hashimoto, president of the Games' organizing committee, has said.
Overseas reporters were initially expected to be temporarily housed at about 350 locations, but the organizing committee streamlined the number of designated media accommodations to about 150.
The committee also has decided to prohibit media members from staying at minpaku private lodgings or with friends, she said at an organizing committee board meeting. Limiting the number of accommodations would lead to more effective countermeasures against the spread of the novel coronavirus, she said.
These measures are expected to be included in the final version of the Playbook, a set of guidelines on coronavirus countermeasures for Olympic athletes and staff that is due for release by the end o this month.
"We want to implement concrete measures in succession to realize Games that are safe and secure," Hashimoto said.
In principle, incoming journalists will not be allowed to go out in public for 14 days after their entry. If they wish to visit places other than those specified, they will be required to submit an activity plan listing the locations they would like to visit in advance.
The organizing committee will take strict measures step by step, such as stripping their credentials for the Games, for those who violate the rules by visiting places not reported in advance.
As for its medical preparedness during the Games, Hashimoto said that 90% of doctors and 80% of nurses needed for the Games are expected to be in place. The committee plans to have the shortage in medical personnel handled by the end of this month, she said.
The board meeting also brought to light the cost of buses to transport athletes and officials, saying the figure is expected to rise to about 13.7 billion yen. A maximum of 2,200 buses will be in operation per day for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the board said.
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