(ATR) A Tokyo 2020 spokesperson insists that discussions about how to contain Covid-19 and ensure a safe Olympic Games will not happen sooner than the fall.
"In Autumn, we will discuss the entry process under the corona crisis, testing procedures, and also a treatment system," said Tokyo 2020 spokesperson Masa Takaya, addressing international media during a teleconference on Tuesday. "How we should be able to make countermeasures in terms of accommodations and transport will also be discussed.
"The national government, Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the organizing committee will form a meeting body to help further discussion on countermeasures about Covid-19."
Takaya also informed that there is no steadfast deadline set for arriving at the critical decisions.
"Once again, we will have these concrete discussions in the very near future," Takaya said. "In the meantime, we do not have any deadline to decide on how the Games should be organized."
Responding to a question from Around the Rings about the potential necessity of a vaccine – as indicated by numerous scientists and Japanese officials - in order for the Games to proceed safely on July 24, 2021, Takaya reiterated that all discussions will occur in the fall.
The Japanese spokesperson shot down speculation about the Tokyo Olympics potentially proceeding without spectators at stadiums and sport venues.
"IOC President Bach, the other day said in an interview I guess, he is not willing to see the Games without spectators and Tokyo 2020 is not willing to see the Games without spectators either," Takaya said.
"In that respect, we will keep monitoring the situation carefully around Covid-19 and then we will see thorough discussions among the three parties to deliver safe and secure Games next year."
Takaya noted that negotiations between Tokyo 2020 organizers and their corporate partners, in regards to contract extensions, are ongoing.
"After the lifting up of the state of emergency in April, we resumed our regular communication with our partner companies," he said.
"We organized a sponsor partners meeting remotely and now we are entering into even more concrete discussions with individual partners.
"The leadership of Tokyo 2020 are visiting those partner companies and sitting together, but I wont be able to mention who is visiting which companies."
Takaya also confirmed that organizers have insurance policies protecting against the possibility of a cancelled Olympic Games, however he would not provide specifics.
"The organizing committee, based on the host city contract and other legal obligations – we do have some insurances, multiple insurances at this stage, but due to the nature of the contract we are not disclosing any element of the content of these individual contracts."
Homepage photo: ATR
Written and reported by Brian Pinelli
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