Tokyo: While the coronavirus pandemic continued to spoil several events across the globe, Japan is considering requiring negative COVID-19 test results or vaccination records from fans attending the Tokyo Olympics.
With the opening of the Games less than two months away, a new poll showed public opposition to the Games remained strong amid the fear of a fourth wave of coronavirus infections and a slow vaccination rollout.
The Japanese government under new Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has so far resisted the pressure to cancel the event. The Olympics are the most prominent global event a country can hope to host.
Foreign spectators have already been banned and game organisers are expected to make a decision next month on whether Japanese fans will be able to attend and, if so, under what conditions.
Japan has already extended the state of emergency in Tokyo and other areas to June 20. The country has seen a record number of COVID-19 patients in critical condition in recent days.