A Tokyo medical group warned Thursday that the Olympics should be held without spectators because of virus risks, while a doctors' association urged outright cancellation, warning of potential "disaster". Several parts of Japan are under virus states of emergency over a surge in infections, and the public is largely opposed to holding the Games this summer. Medical groups have warned the massive event could introduce new variants to Japan and.
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Japanese physician warns against Tokyo Olympics, says officials are underestimating COVID-19 risks
By Stephen Wade
Here are the times in history when the Olympics have been canceled or postponed.
TOKYO (AP) - A physician representing a Japanese medical body warned Thursday that holding the postponed Tokyo Olympics in two months could lead to the spread of variants of the coronavirus.
Dr. Naoto Ueyama, chairman of the Japan Doctors Union, said the International Olympic Committee and the Japanese government had underestimated the risks of bringing 15,000 Olympic and Paralympic athletes into the country, joined by tens of thousands of officials, judges, media and broadcasters from more than 200 countries and territories.
Health experts fear that protocols for 2021 Olympics are insufficient, and could have severe consequences. American experts want an emergency meeting between health officials.