Late Revelation of COVID-19 Positive Cases Entering Japan Olympics... Increased from 2 to 6 People

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] It was belatedly revealed that the number of foreigners who tested positive for COVID-19 among those who entered Japan for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics is six, which is more than the initially reported two.

According to the Mainichi Shimbun on the 25th, among foreign athletes and officials who entered Japan for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, there were four additional confirmed COVID-19 cases besides the previously reported two members of the Uganda team.

The report identified that among those who entered Japan under special entry measures this year, one person each from France (February), Egypt (April), Sri Lanka (May), and Ghana (June) were infected with COVID-19.

Including the two confirmed cases from the Uganda team identified through tests conducted after arriving in Japan recently, the total number of confirmed cases among Olympic-related entrants amounts to six.

Concerns have grown that the Tokyo Olympics could accelerate the spread of infection, and it appears that the Japanese government did not actively disclose the previously confirmed cases, which were only revealed belatedly through individual media investigations.

From January to June 13 this year, the Japanese government allowed 2,925 athletes and officials related to the games to enter. Of these, approximately 75.7%, or 2,213 people, requested quarantine exemptions and participated in pre-competition training camps or preliminary competitions after entry, as well as engaged in event preparation activities.

Japan currently refuses new entries from all foreign countries and regions in principle, but requires a 14-day quarantine at designated facilities for those entering under "exceptional circumstances" such as humanitarian reasons.

However, athletes and officials related to the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics are exempted from quarantine under special measures.

The Japanese government expects that around 70,000 foreigners will enter Japan by the end of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.