What Does the Coronavirus Mean for the Tokyo Olympics?

COVID-19’s spread may affect the execution of the Tokyo Olympic Games, set for this summer. (Flickr)

As the spread of COVID-19 has disrupted schools, tourism, and business throughout Asia, some people are worried about the outbreak’s implications for the Tokyo Olympics. Currently, the Tokyo Olympic Committee and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) maintain that the Olympics will proceed as planned. 

The Olympic Games are supposed to begin on July 24 and end on August 9, but qualifying events have already begun. Many of these qualifying events have had to be relocated. Mongolia’s archery team has decided to cancel their plans to train in Japan’s Aichi prefecture due to fears about the COVID-19. 

Historically, the Olympics have only been cancelled during WWI and WWII. In 2016, fear surrounding the Zika virus threatened the otherwise smooth implementation of the Rio Olympics. Despite the World Health Organization (WHO)’s warnings, the IOC decided to proceed with the games that year. The WHO has said that no decision has been made yet regarding the future of the Tokyo Olympic Games.

The death toll from COVID-19 has surpassed 3,000 people, with most of the deaths taking place in Asia. Many countries are worried about their athletes’ health, as well as the health of tourists who plan to attend the Olympics. Furthermore, quarantines have complicated travel. 

Currently, U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have been in China within the past 14 days and who are trying to reenter the U.S. are directed to one of 11 designated airports. Once they undergo screening, their movements will be restricted for 14 days. 

The Japanese government faces backlash over their poor handling of the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Yokohama. A top government official admitted that loose quarantine procedures on the cruise, such as allowing potentially infected crew members to keep working, led to an outbreak. At least 705 people contracted the virus onboard, and four of those people have died. 

If the Tokyo Olympics were canceled, many stakeholders would lose money, including broadcasters, hotels, and tourists. The 2020 Olympic budget is around $12.5 billion. At a premium of about $385 million, communicable diseases are part of the insurance policy for the Tokyo Olympics. If the Olympics were to be canceled, this policy would be enacted. 

On February 27, Japanese Prime Minister Abe announced the closing of all schools for more than a month. In a news conference addressing COVID-19, he confirmed Japan’s intention to follow through with the Olympic games and said that the government needs to take decisive measures now in order to prevent further spread of the virus. Future actions may be even more dramatic, depending on the need to contain the virus and promote public health before the Olympics.