Japan is planning to excuse Olympic and Paralympic teams from the 14-day quarantine period upon entry, as currently required, even if the novel coronavirus situation is not completely resolved, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned.
The plan is on condition that athletes and staff restrict their activities.
The measure is stipulated in a draft plan to ease entry restrictions for the Games, which was postponed until next summer due to the spread of novel coronavirus infections.
The move is aimed at demonstrating to the world that the Games can be held safely by compiling the measures to prevent infections, amid the global pandemic that calls into question whether to hold the event at all.
The central government, Tokyo metropolitan government and the organizing committee of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics will start discussing details in a working-level meeting Friday, aiming to compile an interim report this year.
According to the draft plan, the athletes and staff will not be asked to quarantine at hotels and other facilities after entering Japan, considering that physical preparation for the Games is essential. On the other hand, they will be required to restrict the range of their movement to limited places such as the practice and Games venues, hotels and vehicles transporting them.
In addition, to take thorough measures to prevent infections, athletes and others in the athletes' village will be requested to refrain from going out.
The governments and the organizing committee are also considering suspending athletes who violate the rules. The organizing committee will discuss with the International Olympic Committee on whether such compulsory measures can be taken.
Regarding PCR testing, the governments and the organizing committee are considering making it mandatory for athletes to take the test upon leaving their countries, entering Japan and entering the athletes' village, among other times.
The teams from abroad might combine to upwards of 15,000 people, including athletes, staff and executives related to the Games. At the working-level meeting, the governments and the organizing committee plan to start discussions on teams and later discuss measures for spectators.
The government currently bans entry of foreign nationals from 159 countries and regions, and requires those who can enter to quarantine at home or in an accommodation facility for 14 days after entry.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
