More than 80 per cent of Japanese oppose hosting the virus-postponed Olympics this year, a poll by Asahi Shimbun, a daily, published on Monday showed. The Games are scheduled to begin on July 23. The Olympic torch began its relay journey on March 25 2021. Only 14 per cent support holding the Games this summer as scheduled, down from 28 per cent last year. According to the poll, 87.7 per cent of respondents worry that an influx of athletes and staff members from abroad may spread the virus. Japan's healthcare system is under pressure as it fights its fourth wave of COVID-19.
Japan's government has extended its state of emergency to three more prefectures and restrictions will stay in place till May 31. Now nine prefectures are under a state of emergency. The three prefectures added to be in a state of emergency are Hokkaido, Hiroshima and Okayama. On Sunday, Japan reported over 5,200 new coronavirus cases.
The Japanese government on Sunday announced that senior citizens Senior in major cities can start making reservations for COVID-19 vaccinations at two mass vaccination sites on Monday. In the first week, only those aged 65 or older, living in Tokyo and Osaka City would be eligible to make reservations. Eligibility for people from other prefectures to register for vaccinations would be opened up over three weeks. As of now, less than 5 per cent of Japan's population have received one dose of the vaccine. The vaccination process at the two venues will start on May 24. Officials expect to have all elderly people vaccinated by the end of July.
-- With PTI inputs