For the postponed Summer Olympics in July 2021, Japan wants to hire 10,000 medical workers to make sure it is COVID-19-free. (Image via Los Angeles Times)

Tokyo wants 10,000 med workers for Summer Olympics

On Tuesday, the Japanese Government reinstated its plan to get 10,000 medical workers for the Summer Olympics, once delayed due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The information was confirmed by the Olympic Minister, Seiko Hashimoto.

As the decision came, Japan's healthcare system is currently suffering from a strain due to the recurrence of COVID-19 cases on the so-called "third wave". Reacting to the plan, the oppositions roasted the Government in the parliament. Even though the medical associations already raised the red flag due to the surge of infections and lack of domestic supports, the Japanese Government and Olympic officials still wanted to hold the Olympics this July.

Moreover, Hashimoto told the Parliament that the Tokyo Games organizers are still formulating the medical provisions and health protocols for COVID-19 in the Summer Olympics. Previously, just six months before the commencement of the delayed Summer Olympics in Japan, Tokyo and the other major prefectures are being put under a state of emergency to contain the COVID-19 cases.

As a matter of fact, compared to other major economies, Japan handles the COVID-19 pandemic pretty well with only 5,000 mortality overall. However, the Japanese medical associations warned the government of the possibility of collapsing healthcare as the Summer Olympics might bring home another wave of COVID-19 infections from abroad.

In December, the Tokyo Games organizers stated that safety measures had been determined, including testing for athletes and infection control centers. As the COVID-19 is not contained worldwide, the doubt is looming large whether the Summer Olympics should be held this year or canceled. Yet, it is unlikely that Japan could treat any foreigners contracting COVID-19 during the Tokyo Games.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) asserted that all athletes are encouraged to be vaccinated, and warned that those who are unvaccinated would face extremely difficult situations in Japan as they will have to be quarantined for 14 days. Yet, in Japan, the mass vaccinations aim to start in late February at the earliest.

Source: https://bit.ly/2MtaKsN