International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach delivers an opening speech on a screen at a meeting of the IOC Coordination Commission for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, in Tokyo on Wednesday. Tokyo Gov Yuriko Koike is on the screen at right. Photo: Yoshikazu Tsuno/POOL via REUTERS
tokyo 2020 olympics

IOC offers medical help for Tokyo Olympics

111 Comments
By STEPHEN WADE

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The IOC will stop at no cost. So his answer is to bring MORE people into Japan? What country are these "medical professionals" coming from? Hot spots like India?

38 ( +41 / -3 )

Bach and Japan can only see money. No sight of people suffering around the world. What a joke!

39 ( +41 / -2 )

More empty promises from a true scoundrel.

- “IOC Pres Thomas Bach offered Wedto have added medical personnel avail to help out when the games open.

“Bach gave few details”?

“For obvious reasons(?),

we cannot give every detail yet, (?)

the most important principle is very clear (?)

Bach gave NO details!

38 ( +39 / -1 )

Nothing short of a natural disaster will stop these Olympics.

We are in the midst of a pandemic the likes of which humanity hasn't seen in 100 years. I thought we were following the science. Well. doctors are calling for a cancellation but their calls are falling on deaf ears. Un-freaking-believable.

37 ( +37 / -0 )

How can the IOC have foreign medical workers do anything beyond general sports medicine in Japan? What about the 90,000 non-athlete IOC staff coming?

Will they bring their own equipment? Won't they need training to work together within the existing Japanese framework? Will Japan even allow them to practice medicine without a domestic medical license? Will they even speak Japanese?

This idea is utterly ridiculous and an act of desperation.

35 ( +35 / -0 )

@George TownesToday  06:52 am JST

Nothing short of a natural disaster will stop these Olympics.

I agree. It’s all about the almighty ¥¥¥. According to a recent Nikkei article, “Triggering a cancellation would make Japan liable for repaying the International Olympic Committee,” whereas a cancellation triggered by the IOC would mean that it “would have to repay broadcasters and sponsors.” The Nikkei article also quotes Heather Dichter, a sports historian at De Monfort University (England), who stresses that cancellation would mean “a huge amount of money would not be dispersed to the national governing bodies across the world who are really struggling financially."

“Pros and cons of holding the Tokyo Olympics during a pandemic,” 19 May,

https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Tokyo-2020-Olympics/Pros-and-cons-of-holding-the-Tokyo-Olympics-during-a-pandemic

22 ( +22 / -0 )

All I can do is laugh at how pathetic this is. Top level comedy this bunch.

26 ( +26 / -0 )

Maybe he intends to call in Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres).

Though thats usually only in the case of war or major disaster.... so maybe it will be appropriate.

26 ( +26 / -0 )

recent test events in Tokyo that came off without many problems.

my emphasis! however.....

8 ( +9 / -1 )

I still think this is a game of chicken being played between the IOC and Japan. Both claiming the Olympics will go ahead to see who will blink first. If Japan does and decides to cancel the games they will be on the hook for not only all the infrastructure but all the other costs that the IOC will claim they are owed. IF the IOC cancels then they will have to return all the broadcasting money they want and need to keep their extravagant lifestyles. I hope Japan doesn't lose this battle, but I'm afraid the IOC will win as they do not represent a country, but a group of corrupt leaders, who can slink away into obscurity!

29 ( +29 / -0 )

I believe that the only way things will change is when major international news media report on it, as they have done for the last week. Keep calling out Suga, Koike and the rest of the government who put the Olympics ahead of the lives of their own people. The IOC is beyond shame.

23 ( +23 / -0 )

Even with a strong earthquake Bach and Japanese gouvernment would not cancel O.G....maybe a meteorite ?!

14 ( +14 / -0 )

More lies and promises from corrupt Bach. The olympic scam is truly disgusting - money is their only consideration. They couldn't care one bit about the wishes of the Japanese public, 80% of whom want this rubbish stopped.

Cancel the olympic trainwreck NOW!

16 ( +16 / -0 )

These old fools have totally lost the plot.

Japan in gerneral worried of about the influx of people from all corners of the world as the virus runs rampant here. IOC idea: We'll bring in MOAR people from outside!

Who are these people?

Bach: 'Majic Doctor Fairies...I haven't figured out how to summon them yet though.'

17 ( +17 / -0 )

More people cumming in to Japan from god knows where and infected with god knows what!!!!???

NO! NO! NO! Cancel the FAKE Olympics!!!

8 ( +10 / -2 )

Two things. If I'm not mistaken, foreign doctors are not allowed to practice in Japan until they are certified. Secondly, I wonder which facility they are going to be using? Japan faces not only a personnel shortage but also hospitals, that's why people are dying at home. Bach doesn't have a grasp of the situation on the ground or the Japanese are too afraid to inform him. Either way, he's divorced from reality.

25 ( +25 / -0 )

Right, this is going to be another head scratcher, as doctors from abroad are not licensed to practice medicine here and would need a Japanese doctor on hand to authorize any treatment that may be necessary.

Not to mention proscribing drugs !

16 ( +16 / -0 )

MarkXToday  07:19 am JST

interesting theory Mark, the actuality of which I wouldn't be at all surprised at.... who knows what goes on behind the scenes.... certainly 'the news' is but tatemae..... Political Theatre, to distract us.....

5 ( +6 / -1 )

@dbsaiya: You are 100% correct. I was going to identify the same fact which makes the arrogant and disgusting Bach proposal not possible. The IOC and Japanese government and most participants just do not care at all about the Japanese people.

10 ( +11 / -1 )

Bach said he anticipated more than 80% of those staying in the Olympic Village would be vaccinated. Reports locally say that Japan's Olympic delegation will begin getting vaccinated in June.

Not so easy to notice but the wording makes clear that no significant part of the tens of thousands of volunteers will be vaccinated, since they will be commuting (and carrying risk) from home every day they would not be "staying" in the Olympic Village. What is the point of having a "bubble" that is pierced tens of thousands of times every day?

14 ( +16 / -2 )

Bach gave few details, speaking remotely at the opening of three days of meetings between the International Olympic Committee and local organizers. He said the help would come from various national Olympic committees and be available in the Olympic village and sports venues.

This is like your dad, with a couple of beers in him, rooting in his pocket for a handful of change and chucking it on the table, saying, "Here you go son, buy yourself some fireworks."

Bottakuri Danshaku is lying through his teeth here. How can foreign medical staff work in Japan? This is just insulting. Go away forever and take your lies, corruption and superspreader event with you.

14 ( +16 / -2 )

Thank You! The Tokyo games are going to be great!!! I can't wait.

-21 ( +2 / -23 )

I read a lot here and there that Japan cannot cancel because of the few billion dollars it is supposed to pay if it breaches the IOC contract. Well, maybe. 

But 1. what's the damage to IOC in terms of image and long term appeal of the event to potential host countries if they actually go to justice on that? 2. Are they sure to win that trial? Sure that we are not in a force majeure situation that would overrule the host city contract? 

As mentioned in the Washington Post article, Japan has probably more leverage than one may think. Why it is not playing that card is an open question.

Also. 3. What is the additional cost of the new measures currently implemented? 4.Japanese annual GDP is close to 5,000 billion dollars. What do a few billions' hypothetical fine weight? 0.1%? 0.2%?

9 ( +10 / -1 )

Well this is good news for everyone, especially for those who are against the Olympics. This should at least mitigate the fear of lack of personnel a little

-16 ( +1 / -17 )

Without a doubt the main reason why the IOC wants this to proceed is precisely about MONEY, MONEY, MONEY!!! And this will not benefit the athletes but this is mainly for the organizers who manage, broadcast and sponsor the Games! As simple as it is!!!

8 ( +8 / -0 )

This is so dumb. Bach knows better than doctors. What a stooge.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

More Grade A nonense in these pronouncements, insulting everyone's intelligence. What use would medical staff who don't exist and can't communicate with Japanese medical institutions be?

According to them, the Olympic Village reported has "18,000 beds" and that is before any social distancing. 90,000 people are said to be coming, so most of them aren't even going to be staying there.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

No1. Vaccinated people can spread the virus, especially new variants.

No2. One in six people who die from SARS-CoV-2 are health workers making them a high risk superspreader group.

No3. After the athletes, coaches, families, media, promoters, support staff all leave, the various viruses will be introduced into Japan for at least 28 days to spread around the 30% at risk elderly citizens of Japan.

no4. There is no 14 day supervised quarantine for all foreigners. Talking about 60,000-100,000 isolation rooms. I think in Australia, there is around 4 staff for 1 quarantined foreigner.

No5. Japanese athletes will have a massive advantage as they will not be confined to a Olympic Village where even sex is banned, as well as leaving to go explore the surrounds.

No.6. Thomas Bakka has no Corona Virus related qualification.

No. 7.....,,,,,,

10 ( +11 / -1 )

Doesn’t that logically mean even more people coming, more intruding virus loads, infected, contaminated luggage etc? That’s not a help at all , but an additional aggressive extension of the incoming attack!

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Doesn't the sheer fact that he is giving this speech remotely rather than being in Japan (as originally planned) really indicate the state of affairs?

For obvious reasons I don't need to elaborate.

10 ( +11 / -1 )

I wonder if the Japanese members of this committee keep their masks on when they are not being photographed or participating in these kind of video conferences in front of international participants. Is it cynical to imagine them not wearing their masks, sitting in the same chairs at that table while gleefully eating their bento and yapping away or having internal meetings that last for hours?

4 ( +4 / -0 )

And from where are the IOC going to get these healthcare professionals? No country has HCPs going spare at the moment.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

This is colonial ! We here in Japan can die before and after these Olympics. But not during. Bach and Ioc will stop at nothing. If IOC can send medical staff, send them now. And has Japan no pride left to let Lausanne decide what Tokyo must do. Shall we just accept that IOC steps on us to come and have a sports event in OUR country while OUR people are dying ?

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Because Bach has been infected the virus .

2 ( +2 / -0 )

The government has a one sided contract to cancel which hey should and see if the IOC sues as no other country other then China would ever host again. No-one wants the costs anymore as see in the Winter games having no bids.

If games go on just not let them in country pass immigration as hold the games with the Japan Team and let them win all the medals as that would make for a reverting international TV audience f the games must go on. The IOC gets its TV money then.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Not so easy to notice but the wording makes clear that no significant part of the tens of thousands of volunteers will be vaccinated, since they will be commuting (and carrying risk) from home every day they would not be "staying" in the Olympic Village. What is the point of having a "bubble" that is pierced tens of thousands of times every day?

On volunteers front one of my Japanese wife friend is volunteering - very eager and had been waiting for this opportunity for long time. Last week she was called in and offered - two trousers, three shirts, one pair of sports shoes, cap set - am told for each volunteer they have a budget of JY 50,000 for such goodies...

She is a housewife, will return back to her home to her family every day during Olympic period, travel normal public transport and NO, she has not yet received the vaccine voucher as yet and was told will not get it before Olympics.....

It is a gravy train which all the stakeholders involved dont want to stop - at any cost - what a shame.....

8 ( +8 / -0 )

Is that Mori on the right?

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

In Japan level doesn’t deliver anything at all for the IOC eyes .

And then not yet to be ripped off !!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

So multiple medical professional associations say the situation in Japan/Tokyo is serious and holding the Olympics dangerous but the IOC, TOC, pro Olympics, covid deniers, etc all says the medical personnel don't know what they are taking about.

So when the members of the IOC, TOC, pro Olympics, covid deniers, etc ...take their cars to the mechanic and he says their brakes are shot and dangerous but their accountant say the brakes are fine these people believe the accountant.

That is basically what we have going on here.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

 IOC President Thomas Bach offered Wednesday to have added medical personnel available to help out when the games open in just over nine weeks.

And let me guess, the Japanese taxpayer is going to be footing the bill for these outside medical personnel too, just like everything else the IOC "offers"?

5 ( +5 / -0 )

If IOC can send medical staff, send them now

I agree

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

None of these test events was a virus spreader for the Japanese people or the people of Tokyo," he said.

Yeah genius, it won't be when testing has deliberately been reduced and there is no contact tracing at all. What an utter joke that a few people are taking millions to be fools.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

It remains to be seen whether Japan will accept foreign doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel. They barely accept foreign vaccines and other medicines. In Okinawa for example, Japanese citizens who work on US military bases were offered COVID vaccinations. These were refused by the Japanese health system over who would be responsible if someone had serious side effects. What's good for people, here. The system seems to be protecting itself instead of the people.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Under Japanese Laws, foreign health workers, doctors/nurses can not work here. Even when there were the powerful Tohoku disasters, foreign countries offered healthcare but was refused

Always reasonable, agree or not, I find your posts instructive, thanks

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Under Japanese Laws, foreign health workers, doctors/nurses can not work here.

Foreign sports team physicians can work with their team. I guess he means just that.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Reports locally say that Japan's Olympic delegation will begin getting vaccinated in June.

Hang on! So reports that *Japan denies considering vaccine priority for Olympic athletes** (https://japantoday.com/category/tokyo-2020-olympics/Japan-denies-considering-vaccine-priority-for-Olympic-athletes#comment-2427568, now for some reason no longer available*, what's up with that, JT?) are now being denied, and the olympians will be jumping the queue?

How many U-turns is that now?

If this were a comedy film, the plot would be slammed as being too much of a stretch.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Not a u turn for me if the vaccines came from IOC

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Under Japanese Laws, foreign health workers, doctors/nurses can not work here.

Foreign sports team physicians can work with their team. I guess he means just that.

See, even without actually looking for facts we can surmise that foreign medical personnel can work here.

But hopefully that's not just what Bach means

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

How conveniently thoughtful of Bach to offer such generous contribution when now we are facing severe complications with COVID-19 variances. And this never crossed his mind sooner because...

2 ( +2 / -0 )

By Looking at what Money is doing with our lives, I wonder if the letter "k" was missing in the word Money?

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

See, even without actually looking for facts we can surmise that foreign medical personnel can work here.

Actually no they cannot.

There is a fine line, for example the team doctor can "examine" his team members, they may get away with some simple things like massage therapy, etc.. but giving, medication, injections, etc.. would be illegal even if it is to their own team members.

Basically they would be tolerated only for the most basic first aid like putting on a bandaid, some muscle cream and massages.

Anything else would be illegal in theory even the little bit above is not exactly permitted and if some medical group like the doctors or nurses certification authority files a complaint then the foreign medical staff could be in serious legal trouble.

It is a very grey zone and a risky one right now with the tension between the Jgov/IOC and the doctors and nurses associations.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Actually no they cannot

Do you know that for a fact?

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

My message to Thomas Bach, please come to Japan during the event. This idiot is not even planning to be here for an event that he is pushing so hard for Japan to hold.

And to Mr Suga/Japan gov (have some "cajones"), cancel it , so what if Japan can never host another Olympic game again. The olympic is a short term economic boost but if one really dig deep down, the long team financial effect is not worth it.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

I think his brain has been infected with the virus. He can’t be that naive. Or can he?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

“For obvious reasons we cannot give them (athletes) every detail yet, but the most important principle is very clear: the Olympic Village is a safe place and the Olympic and Paralympic Games will be organized in a safe way,"

Try this in a Joe Pesci voice: "Don't ask so many questions. I'm telling you it's safe. We're gunna take care of it, understand? It's safe. Now shut up and do it, unless...you know....maybe something might happen"

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Do you know that for a fact?

Actually yes.

I joined the local disaster volunteer group in my area ( well where I was living until a year and a half ago).

I was read the riot act and told very clearly what I was and was not permitted to do. I am a fully certified paramedic/search and rescue back home so they were worried if there was a disaster and or group got called up ( which we did after the Tohoku earthquake where we went to help) that I would do things I was not permitted to do,

So like everyone else I was limited to the basic first aid course we all took here in Japan.

In this course we were told we couldn't even give Tylenol without a doctor or nurse giving to ok.

Emergency bandages, splits, etc...yes everything else no. ( CPR ok only if the person took the Japanese certification).

8 ( +9 / -1 )

Offer ? The IOC should have it's medical safe guards in place already. This is a post COVID world. This proves how the IOC is so out of touch with rest of the world. This precautionary measure of supplying health worker was offered after stating Tokyo will be “safe and secure” Olympics in the midst of the pandemic. What with 80% of competitors will be vaccinated. Should it be 100%. Australia will not let any of it citizen or Olympian leave Australian without being fully vaccinated at present. In this Post COVID World, the IOC dose not have a clue how to manage. Disband the IOC, postpone the Game until all competitors are 100 % vaccinated.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

There are several foreign licensed, foreign medical professionals practicing medicine in Japan.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Japan has has attributed more than 11,500 deaths to COVID-19, good by some standards

This comparison with other countries is insulting and needs to stop. 11,500 people asphyxiating to death while completely isolated from their loved ones, or sedated senseless, proned, and hooked up to ventilators, is not "good" by any standards.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

The question every resident of Japan should ask- is what does this latest IOC move do for me?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

There are several foreign licensed, foreign medical professionals practicing medicine in Japan.

Actually no!

Unless they have passed Japanese university and medical school.

Does that people think are "practicing" are in partnership with a Japanese doctor that is the one that will make prescriptions, and arrange test etc ..

2 ( +2 / -0 )

How will they stop visitors from going to local izakaya,restaurant near their hotels?

Virus spreader!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I guess my UK educated (non-Japan university graduate), UK trained and licensed UK doctor treating and diagnosing me at an office in Tokyo is a figment of my and other patients' imagination. So are the New Zealand dr. and the Australian dr, there.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Actually yes.

But facts change. As with @zichi's post I find this post instructive in providing context for why they amended/enacted laws/rules to make it possible.

What I know is that foreign doctors have been working at least since 2015 in Tokyo hospitals treating people of same nationality initially.

It's that year they have also been allowed to treat people of all nationalities

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I guess my UK educated (non-Japan university graduate), UK trained and licensed UK doctor treating and diagnosing me at an office in Tokyo is a figment of my and other patients' imagination. So are the New Zealand dr. and the Australian dr, there.

Now check who actually writes the prescriptions, who actually orders the tests, etc...

As I said yes they may be acting as if they are practicing, but their Japanese colleague is the one whose name is on any meds given, prescribed, test ordered, etc ..

And theoretically what they are doing is illegal.

Hey back home I knew if uncertified doctors running underground clinics in certain ethic communities, they exist but are they legal, no.

As I said it is a grey zone they are walking a fine line and depend on remaining in the foreign community and the partnership of a certified Japanese doctor.

Next time ask your doctor.

I know I have asked and what I wrote above vwas what the foreign doctor told me.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@Commodore Perry

A simple question, could a Japanese doctor without certification in your home country legally work as a doctor there?

Now to help the answer for the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, etc...

Is NO!

So why would it be any different here in Japan?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Oh, so it is accepted that foreign physicians can practice medicine in Japan. That matter is resolved.

As to the new issue about the non-certified Japanese doctor, the answer is no.

Who is talking about non-certified foreign doctors working in Japan? Not me. Not this article!

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

I don't know why this is even a question.

Very few countries and no developed countries permit doctors that are not certified in that country to work as a doctor.

Japan is no different.

Now can a non Japanese be a doctor in Japan?

Of course if they have passed the proper courses taken the proper exams and passed Japanese certification.

For this they would need to study in Japan know all the Japanese medical terminology, etc.. and pass all requirements.

Is it possible yes.

But then the would be Japanese doctors, meaning a doctor under the Japanese legal system not by citizenship or ethnicity.

Otherwise like in most countries they are not legally permitted to work as a doctor in Japan.

This is simple common sense and knowledge.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Without a doubt, Money makes the World goes round and round.......like those Olympic rings!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Bach. Arrogant. Old. Vague allusions. Empty promises. The only intent to hold the games. As several officials and big bosses have said: the games will go on, no matter the cost. What care they for Japan - easily said, they care not.

6,000 member Tokyo Medical Practitioners’ Association called for the Olympics to be canceled and Bach simply recites a party line. Bach is not just tone deaf. He is crazy.

IOC is morally & ethically bankrupt.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Oh, so it is accepted that foreign physicians can practice medicine in Japan. That matter is resolved.

No I quests you only see what you want.

If their not certified in Japan it is illegal, plain and simple.

See my previous post.

Are there foreign doctors working in Japan working legally? Yes those few that either went to Japanese university and got Japanese certification.

Are there foreign doctors working without Japanese certification?

Yes and in theory they are working illegally.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Just to repeat. There are foreign educated, foreign physicians practicing in Japan. Legally. Without having gone to any Japanese university. Anyone in Tokyo would know this. Anyone else would research online and find out for themselves.

I do not know what 'certified' means. But for physicians the operative word is 'licensed'.

And many countries permit doctors who are not 'certified' in their countries to work as a doctor.

Doctors without frontiers work in countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East . . .

For the purpose of this article, it makes sense to have foreign doctors treating foreign athletes in Japan. Of course, the practicality of finding such doctors is the clown part.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Just to repeat. There are foreign educated, foreign physicians practicing in Japan. Legally. Without having gone to any Japanese university. 

Ok keep telling yourself that, and I guess the Japanese laws that say otherwise are all wrong.

Oh certification mean certification like in every country in the world.

It means passed the legal requirements and examinations to be a doctor.

Something I suggest you look up, the legal requirements to be a doctor in Japan.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

No I quests you only see what you want.

I guess that settles it

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Thank you @zichi

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@zichi

Thanks, basically they are functioning as some sort of embassy clinic.

The question I have is how do they order medical tests and prescribe medications.

As far as I understood the only way is for a Japanese certified doctor to do it for them.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

There is no reason to panic and cancel the Tokyo Olympics. The foreign athletes and coaches coming to Japan will most likely be vaccinated. Who would come to Japan without being vaccinated? The foreign athletes are not a problem. The problem is the Japanese spectators will not be vaccinated, but sporting events have been held around the world during the pandemic. Baseball is played with spectators in Japan.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

There has always been rumors and articles about the Olympic bidding process and the bribes and corruption associated with it. I don't care about the Olympics and don't really watch them since they allowed professional athletes to compete and became packed with overpaid prima donnas . What got my attention in the case of the Tokyo Olympics was the IOC crawled out of its hole and really showed how depraved the whole process and the IOC organization really is. The health, wellbeing and preferences of the people of the host country and by extension, the participating athletes count for naught. Once the IOC has a contract to attach themselves to your city, it is like having head lice, fleas and genital crabs at once, but with deadly consequences in this case.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Thank you zichi. That is exactly what I was referring to from the beginning.

Case closed (again) I would assume.

It kind of makes sense though if Japan is considering having pharmacists (who are not licensed physicians, and not 'certified' physicians either) give vaccinations, that Japan would enlist licensed foreign medical doctors to act as, well, doctors here for olympic athletes.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

There has always been rumors and articles about the Olympic bidding process and the bribes and corruption associated with it. I don't care about the Olympics and don't really watch them since they allowed professional athletes to compete and became packed with overpaid prima donnas .

So, you are against the Olympics regardless of the pandemic.

What got my attention in the case of the Tokyo Olympics was the IOC crawled out of its hole and really showed how depraved the whole process and the IOC organization really is. The health, wellbeing and preferences of the people of the host country and by extension, the participating athletes count for naught. Once the IOC has a contract to attach themselves to your city, it is like having head lice, fleas and genital crabs at once, but with deadly consequences in this case.

The democratically elected representatives of Japan are choosing to hold the Tokyo Olympics. They have the power to cancel if they believe there is a serious public health risk to the people. All of the foreign athletes and coaches will be vaccinated. They pose no unreasonable risk. The Japanese government has said the Japanese athletes and coaches will be vaccinated as well. So, all of the athletes and coaches could walk around Tokyo with no masks and pose little to no health risk. The problem is with spectators, but Japan professional baseball and football are holding games with spectators with no outbreaks. This is not a difficult decision. The Tokyo Olympics should not be cancelled.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Does anyone here really think that the US Olympic Team is coming to Japan with no US doctors? How about any of the European teams? How about the Chinese team? Of course, they have doctors.

https://www.statnews.com/2018/02/08/olympics-medical-team-doctors/

1 ( +1 / -0 )

So some politicians and IOC ignore the doctors and want to hold the Olympics.

so why don’t they ignore the doctors advice and go maskless. They can also be last in line to get the vaccines too.

waiting for a reporter to ask a politician or IOC “why you wear a mask? “

politician or IOC: “to feel safe.”

reporter: “so your health is a priority, but not that of your common man?”

politician: “yeah, true.”

reporter: “gameover.”

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

According to them, the Olympic Village reported has "18,000 beds" and that is before any social distancing. 90,000 people are said to be coming, so most of them aren't even going to be staying there.

I guess the other 72,000 will just have to "quarantine" for 14 days before leaving their accommodations each day...uhm, errr, nevermind.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

So some politicians and IOC ignore the doctors and want to hold the Olympics.

Have any countries said they have decided to not come to the Tokyo Olympics because they are unsafe? No.

If the US Olympic Team decided not to come to the Tokyo Olympics, then the Games would be cancelled. There are no Tokyo Olympics without US TV rights money. There is no discussion in the US about not attending.

Many expect new variants created in Tokyo game, which will be called Bach or Suga virus.

Who? There are 38 million people in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Fewer than a thousand got coronavirus yesterday. Every country on the planet would be declaring victory if they had that low of an infection rate. There is no way you cancel a $15 billion sporting event that has been planned for nearly a decade because a 1000 people got sick and a tiny fraction of them died.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

I guess the other 72,000 will just have to "quarantine" for 14 days before leaving their accommodations each day...uhm, errr, nevermind.

Why? The foreigners will be vaccinated! The foreigners are not the problem. The Japanese are the ones who are the problem because they are not vaccinated. Do you really think if the Olympics are cancelled the people in Tokyo will be staying home because of the virus? No! They will be shopping and going to restaurants just like they always do. So, how does cancelling the Games help?

2 ( +3 / -1 )

The foreigners will be vaccinated! 

Even Bach can do no better than 'anticipate' (aka wishful thinking) that 80% of those staying in the Olympic Village will be vaccinated.

If the Olympic Village has 18,000 beds, there will be 3,600 non-vaccinated folk in there with the vaccinated, plus the 90,000 non-athletes staying in Tokyo, who may or may not be vaccinated.

All mingling with the as yet (and likely as then, too) largely unvaccinated population of Japan, 80% of whom don't want the Olympics.

how does cancelling the Games help?

It keeps all those extra, potentially unvaccinated folk off the streets of Tokyo.

It brings to a stop the diversion of resources, both material and human, to the Olympics from the health crisis.

It frees up Suga &Co from endlessly trying and failing to convince folk how safe the Olympics are going to be, so that they can concentrate on getting everyone vaccinated and the economy back on its feet.

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Who's gonna translate?

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Cleo

Who is coming to Japan without being vaccinated? Bach cannot guarantee everyone but using your numbers there may be 3,600 non-vaccinated in a population of 38 million people. You think the solution is to cancel a $15 billion event because of those 3,600 people who tested negative before entering Japan and will be tested regularly in Japan? I'm glad you are not running any large project.

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using your numbers there may be 3,600 non-vaccinated in a population of 38 million people

No, using Bach's numbers there may be 3,600 or more non-vaccinated in a facility housing 18,000.

Using JOC's numbers there may be another 90,000+ who may or may not be vaccinated staying in hotels, walking the streets of Tokyo, using public transport, eating in restaurants, spreading the virus and possibly picking it up to take back home. Then there's the Japanese volunteers , most likely not vaccinated, who will be interacting with them and then going home to their families at night.

Being vaccinated means you don't get seriously ill if you do catch the virus, but it doesn't mean you cannot pass it on to others. (Transmission appears to be less likely, but not impossible - up to about a 50% reduction rate, according to the BBC).

All this 'But it's OK, they're vaccinated, they're safe' talk rings alarm bells. As I've pointed out before, thousands of young, fit people hyped up on their performance and confident that they're 'safe' from the virus because they've been vaccinated, are not going to sit quietly in their rooms alone for the duration of the games.

You think the solution is to cancel a $15 billion event

Cancel a massive international mega-spreader event? Yes.

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There are several foreign licensed, foreign medical professionals practicing medicine in Japan.

After working for minimum wage in care homes, studying the Japanese language and passing necessary language and professional exams. Takes a long time, can’t be done in nine weeks, even if you did have enough HCPs willing to go through the process.

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If you had read correctly what I wrote, you would understand that "practicing medicine" refers to physicians, not someone working for minimum wage in care homes. Totally different categories. And one not classified as a medical professional.

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Bach cannot guarantee that all of the athletes, coaches, and trainers will be vaccinated, but the number will be extremely high. The US, China, Japan, Korea, Canada, and the European countries including Russia will be at near 100% vaccination rate. That is the overwhelming number of the 90,000 people coming. They will also need to show a negative test before entering Japan. The foreigners are not the problem. The problem is the Japanese spectators and volunteers will not be vaccinated. Social distancing and sporting events and wearing masks should mitigate the dangers. That has been effective at Japanese baseball games, football games, sumo tournaments, basketball games, etc.

Being vaccinated means you don't get seriously ill if you do catch the virus, but it doesn't mean you cannot pass it on to others. (Transmission appears to be less likely, but not impossible - up to about a 50% reduction rate, according to the BBC).

This is an argument for never having the Olympics again and is unscientific. The Pfizer vaccine is 95% effective, Moderna is 90%, and Johnson & Johnson is 60%.

There will be at worst case 10% of the 90,000 who are not vaccinated. That is 9,000 people all of whom have tested negative before entering the country. How many Japanese business men and women travel to Tokyo on a daily basis who have never been vaccinated and have never been tested? How many travelers land at Haneda and Narita every day? The number is much much greater than the 9,000 foreigners. Do you want to shut down the shinkansen and the highways to Tokyo? Close the airports? No. But you think it is reasonable to shut down a $15 billion event because of 9,000 foreign visitors for the Olympics. Again. I'm glad you are not in charge of any large projects. Your risk assessment skills are questionable.

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Apparently, the law of contracts which frames the Olympic Games, only the IOC can cancel the Olympic Games. Suga does not have the power to stop the Games and probably lacks the savvy to finesse the IOC into cancelling without ending up in court and being sued for billions of USD.

Under certain clauses, there is the possibility to cancel, which would still end in litigation. There is insurance, but it is unknown what the terms are for the parties involved.

One mitigating circumstance is the fact, few cities bid for the games and a scenario that involved litigation would reduce the number of cities biding for the game, close to zero.

Bach, he cares only for his position as do those of his ilk involved in The Games. This will not end well.

His empty promise to bring healthcare workers to the games is completely absurd, in terms of licensing, let alone the level of skill.

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Apparently, the law of contracts which frames the Olympic Games, only the IOC can cancel the Olympic Games. Suga does not have the power to stop the Games and probably lacks the savvy to finesse the IOC into cancelling without ending up in court and being sued for billions of USD.

Under certain clauses, there is the possibility to cancel, which would still end in litigation. There is insurance, but it is unknown what the terms are for the parties involved.

This is an interesting post. The Prime Minister of Japan certainly has the power to shut down the Olympics. He would just withdraw all financial and security assistance and the governor of Tokyo would close the stadiums. The Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee could just stop working on preparations. There is no way a Japanese court would force them to continue working. The financial penalty in the contract is the big question. What court or arbitrator would decide and how would the IOC collect from a bankrupt Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee?

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I know plenty of people in their seventies and eighties who are completely in touch with what's going on.

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We are witnessing human tragedy unfolding. There is big difference between running an Olympic event and running a country. The Japanese government needs to put its foot down, stand with its medical experts and refuse to host the games under these emergency conditions. The IOC wants to focus on how safe the games will be when in fact the event planning and hosting is already diverting critical resources from fighting the pandemic. Hospitals are stretched beyond capacity, few hospital beds are available, and people are dying in their homes! Yet, thousands of beds are being readied for incoming Olympic athletes and staff. I hope someone will be the adult in the room and make the tough decision. Cancel the games now!

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Does that mean that they can help speed up the vaccinations here ? If not, then no thank you!

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It is very sad to see that I.o.c only care for personal interests and not the health of the Japanese people.

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