More than 70,000 tests for the novel coronavirus may be conducted daily this summer on people involved in the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, it has been learned.
The government has asked the International Olympic Committee to limit how many Games officials come to Japan, so as not to burden the domestic testing system.
According to estimates by the government and the Tokyo Games organizing committee, the number of tests will reach its maximum on July 22, the day before the opening ceremony. A maximum of about 6,200 tests are expected on the day just for the Japanese and foreign athletes who will stay at the athletes village in Tokyo and other places.
In addition, about 5,600 coaches and trainers, about 5,400 food and cleaning staff, more than 40,000 people working in areas accessible to athletes, and about 10,300 media personnel will also be tested.
The organizing committee and others plan to test athletes and coaches who come to Japan every day. Other officials who come into contact with the athletes or work in areas that athletes are allowed to enter are likewise expected to be tested daily.
PCR and antigen tests will be used. Games officials believe there is sufficient testing capacity, as about 200,000 PCR tests and more than 50,000 antigen tests can be conducted in Japan per day.
However, there is no indication that infections with the novel coronavirus will be under control by the start of the Games. In addition to limiting the officials who visit Japan for the Games, the government intends to reduce the number of tests for people who have little contact with the athletes.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
