Japan will allow the entry of foreign athletes for next summer's rescheduled Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics provided they meet a strict set of requirements to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, a government-led panel said Wednesday.
The panel, the remainder of which is comprised of members of the organizing committee and the Tokyo metropolitan government, agreed on a basic plan that those meeting certain criteria will be allowed entry, even if travel from their country or region is otherwise prohibited due to the coronavirus pandemic.
A poster to promote the postponed Tokyo Olympics is pictured in Tokyo's Nishishinjuku on July 22, 2020. (Kyodo)
At the second meeting of the panel, which is tasked with formulating steps to counter the virus, members confirmed that those wishing to enter under the program must present negative test results upon departure and arrival and consent to movement restrictions within Japan.
It also agreed athletes will be exempt from the 14-day quarantine period, usually required to enter Japan, provided they follow anti-virus measures, such as carrying a smartphone with a contact tracing app.
"It is important there be a balance between thorough anti-virus measures and smooth preparation, such as training opportunities, so that athletes can compete at their best under safe and secure conditions," said Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kazuhiro Sugita, who led the panel.
The panel, launched Sept. 4, plans to submit an interim report possibly by the end of the year after meeting five times.
The government is already looking into easing immigration restrictions for athletes modeled on measures already established for business travelers.
Around 11,000 athletes from over 200 countries and regions participate in the Olympics under normal circumstances. Japan currently bans general travel from a total of 159 areas.
The Tokyo Olympics were originally scheduled to start last July 24 but were officially postponed in March due to the pandemic, which remains a concern for next year, when they are scheduled to open on July 23.
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