Easing entry restrictions for Japanese athletes when they return from overseas events and tours ahead of the Tokyo Games next year is being discussed, sources said.
The government is in the final stage of the discussion, hoping to implement a relaxation of the coronavirus-triggered restrictions within this month at the earliest for athletes who traveled overseas for international events such as Olympic qualifiers or training and individual matches. According to the sources, the government is expected to exempt these athletes from the 14-day quarantine, while limiting their sphere of actions after arrival.
The athletes will only be allowed to stay home or be at athletic stadiums and in vehicles for transportation after coming back to Japan. The target athletes are likely those designated by the Japanese Olympic Committee and the Japanese Paralympic Committee.
The planned easing is aimed at making it easier for Japanese athletes to adjust their conditions so that they can prepare for the event in a perfect state. The "athlete first" measure is expected to help support them gain experience overseas.
The government is expected to officially confirm the plan at a meeting scheduled for Friday to discuss COVID-19 prevention measures for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. The government and the Tokyo Olympic organizing committee, among others, are compiling conditions to exempt foreign athletes from the 14-day quarantine as well.
Since Oct. 1, the government has expanded the entry of persons from particular nations and regions beyond businesspeople, although the 14-day quarantine to prevent infections remains. Under these circumstances, some Japanese athletes active overseas as well as sports organizations have called for easing the entry restrictions and making flexible responses.
The International Olympic Committee and the Tokyo Games organizing committee have agreed to streamline the event in response to the spread of the novel coronavirus. They want to reduce costs associated with the postponement of the Games, such as by reducing the number of staff involved.
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