The government of Japan is considering placing Tokyo in a precarious position during the Olympics, as many health experts have expressed concern over the outbreak of cases in the COVID-19 cases, according to government officials.
The Olympics are due to start on July 23, but public fears continue with the outbreak of coronavirus infections caused by the influx of people into the capital and driven by a variety of infectious diseases.
Since the end of April, Tokyo has been in a state of emergency, but could end on June 20 as the fourth wave of disease has subsided.
In addition to Tokyo, nine states including Hokkaido, Osaka and Fukuoka are currently in a state of emergency.
The government is now planning to remove the emergency in many areas and reduce the number of non-compliance with a small number of non-compliance fines where restaurants and bars will be asked to reduce opening hours but not be allowed to drink alcohol.
The government will look into whether it should maintain a planned emergency situation with the Olympics, because it will close on August 8, or lift it and force it again before the games open, officials said on Monday.
"We will take appropriate action. There will be no cancellation or postponement (of the Olympics)," said one official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The official said holding the Olympics and Paralympics had become a global commitment after leaders of the Group of Seven rich Democrats expressed support over the weekend over the extravaganza.
A joint meeting released on Sunday by leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States after their summit in Britain said they were holding back the holding of the games "in a safe and secure manner as a symbol of global unity in winning COVID-19."
Under emergency, managers are allowed to place actions in specific areas rather than everywhere.
A team of infectious disease specialists, including Shigeru Omi, head of the government's sub-committee on the virus, is expected to expose this week's various health risks if the Olympics take place as planned.
Omi, South Africa's top COVID-19 adviser, expressed concern over the distribution of games in Tokyo, saying it was "not uncommon" to continue during a global health crisis.
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga will convene a meeting of the ruling party on Thursday to decide the end of the third crisis.
Attention is being focused on what the government and the organizing committee will do with spectators after those from abroad were banned in March.
Organizers want to allow at least some people to the channels and will decide on the maximum limit for local viewers by the end of June.
The limit will be set according to government limits on attendance at major events, such as sports events and concerts.
Until the end of this month, attendance at major events will be limited to up to 5,000 people or 50% of local capacity, whichever is smaller.
Among other things, the government is now looking to reduce the limit to 10,000 or 20,000 or restrict the number to just under 50% of the stadiums, according to officials.
The subcommittee will hold a meeting, probably on Wednesday, to discuss how many people are allowed to the big events in July and August.
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