Uncertainty about Tokyo Olympics in view of Covid-19

Tokyo, (Prensa Latina) The local newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun published a survey on Monday, according to which 59 percent of the Japanese population is in favor of canceling the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

May 10, 2021
12:08

The opinion poll showed that 23 percent of citizens who support the Games rejected the public attendance at the venues of the events, while only 16 percent favored a reduction in the number of spectators.

Without disclosing the number of respondents, the survey conducted by Yomiuri Shimbun between April 7 and 9 showed uncertainty about the organization of the summer Games, after the state of emergency was extended in Tokyo and three other areas until late May, due to the increase in Covid-19 cases.

Amid this situation, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga reiterated that it is still possible to host the Games, postponed for a year due to the impact of the pandemic and rescheduled from July 23 and August 8.

One of Japan’s swimming stars, Rikako Ikee, called on the public to be patience and support the athletes amid growing calls for them to leave the Tokyo Games due to Covid-19.

According to The Japan News, until last Saturday, more than 270,000 signatures had been collected as part of an online petition to call for the cancellation of the Olympic Games in the Japanese capital.

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