島根知事「五輪開催すべきでない 聖火リレーへの協力難しい」

Difficult to cooperate with the torch relay that should not be held at the Olympics

Governor Maruyama of Shimane Prefecture said that the Tokyo Olympics and the torch relay should not be held while the government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government have not suppressed the spread of the new coronavirus infection. It is difficult to cooperate with the torch relay in Shimane Prefecture that will be held in March, "said the extraordinary executive committee. This was revealed by Governor Maruyama of Shimane Prefecture at the extraordinary executive committee of the prefecture of the torch relay held at the prefectural office from noon on the 17th.

In this, Governor Maruyama touched on the infection situation of the new coronavirus in Tokyo and said, "We should not hold the torch relay. If the situation does not improve, we should not hold the Tokyo Olympics. It is a factor in the spread of infection nationwide and is not unrelated to Shimane Prefecture. "

He added, "It is difficult to cooperate with the Tokyo Olympics and the torch relay in Shimane Prefecture that will lead to it in May."

Governor Maruyama considers that the work of public health centers has been tight in Tokyo and other areas, and that the investigation of close contacts has not been conducted sufficiently, so the Olympic Games should be held unless the situation improves. He showed the idea that there wasn't.

According to Shimane Prefecture, the prefecture and the Games Organizing Committee have an agreement on the implementation of the torch relay, which stipulates that "in the event of a natural disaster or unexpected accident" as a requirement that can be canceled. However, according to the prefecture, basically it is not supposed to be canceled at the will of the prefecture.

The torch relay in Shimane Prefecture will be held on Saturday, May 15th, and Sunday, May 16th, and will visit a total of 14 local governments. On the first day, we will depart from Tsuwano Town in the western part of Shimane Prefecture, go around seven municipalities, and head for Onan Town. On the second day, we will depart from Oda City, travel around seven cities and towns, arrive at Matsue City, and finish the torch relay in the prefecture.

The torch relay will run a total of 170 runners, including 53 runners selected by the prefecture's executive committee and runners selected by the tournament sponsor.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato said at a press conference in the morning, "The torch relay scheduled to start in Fukushima Prefecture on the 25th of next month is currently being discussed with the prefectural executive committees at the Games Organizing Committee, based on an interim arrangement. I am aware that we are considering measures to prevent infection. The government will take appropriate measures to hold a safe and secure competition. "

He added, "I don't think the executive committee has come to a conclusion in Shimane Prefecture. It's not appropriate to comment at this stage."

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20210217/k10012871881000.html