The government may deport athletes and other participants in the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics if they violate behavioral restrictions in Japan set to contain the novel coronavirus, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said Friday night at a press conference at the Prime Minister's Office.
"It is possible to realize a safe and secure Games while protecting the lives and health of the Japanese people. We want to make sure we are prepared for the Games," Suga said.
He reiterated his intention to take thorough countermeasures against the novel coronavirus based on the opinions of experts, such as ensuring that people related to the Games visiting Japan do not mix with local people and designating specific hotels for their stays.
Suga also said, "We are considering forcibly ordering participants to leave if they violate the behavioral restrictions."
Regarding the reluctance of the governors of prefectures near Tokyo to secure dedicated hospital beds for athletes and other related parties who become infected with the novel coronavirus, he said, "We are making adjustments so as not to interfere with regional medical care."
The prime minister also mentioned that COVID-19 vaccines will be provided free of charge to participating athletes of each country and region.
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