Every four years the world sets aside a few weeks to celebrate and participate in an ancient tradition known commonly as the Olympics (of course I am talking about the summer games). The very best athletes from around the world gather in one place to compete in sporting events ranging from soccer (or football) and basketball to competitive trampolining and skeet shooting. The 2020 Olympic games were scheduled to take place in Tokyo, Japan and there was much excitement until the pandemic eventually shut it down.
Thousands of athletes with Olympic ambitions, along with fans around the world, were left disappointed after the postponement but ultimately looked to summer 2021 with hope that the sporting event will take place.
Today, with a better understanding of COVID-19, faster forms of testing and multiple vaccines available around the world the 2020 Summer Olympics are scheduled to begin in July. The athletes will finally be able to prove themselves in their respective sport and go for the gold.
That being said, like most things in the past year, nothing can go completely smoothly.
Japan, for the most part, has been able to contain COVID-19 better than most countries. Overall deaths declined in Japan in 2020 due to the country virtually shutting closing its doors to the world and the already well-established mask-wearing culture to treat illness. By not letting people in or out of the country they have been able to contain hot zones when they happen and come out of the pandemic in a pretty good condition.
Japan’s COVID-19 strategy can be lauded by many, except for the few problems it poses to the Olympic games and the thousands of athletes from around the world.
An Open Door For Some
Japan’s closed boarder policy during the pandemic will be modified for the Olympics. While no foreign fans are allowed to attend the games, athletes, coaches and Olympic officials will be able to enter the country and compete in their respective event. Thousands of people will be entering the country and they will have to go through dozens of tests during their time in the country.
Even with testing athletes and coaches for COVID, it is highly unlikely that the summer games will be COVID free considering the 193 countries and 9 NOCs being represented this year. There will most likely be a COVID scare in Tokyo and the surrounding areas of Japan due to the influx of people entering the country.
This will ultimately be problematic for Japan and its 36.17 million citizens who are 65-years-old and older. Obviously, the country is going to take every step it possibly can to protect their citizens while creating a good atmosphere for the athletes and their trainers.
One of the tactics the Japanese government will be attempting is the distribution and administering of vaccines, something they are struggling with.
Lacking in Vaccinations
The success Japan had with promoting the use of masks, social distancing and other tactics has made the Japanese population a bit slow when it comes to receiving the vaccine. With only 1.5% of the Japanese population fully vaccinated, many are beginning to wonder if the country will be ready to host the games in July.
In fact, according to a recent survey, more than 70% of Japanese citizens believe the games should be cancelled because of the worry of spread.
As of today, the Olympics are still scheduled to begin in July, hopefully for sake of the athletes, fans, and millions upon millions of dollars Japan has spent on this year’s games, the events will take place and the world can set aside this time to enjoy competition and sport.
Jacob