After the first COVID case in the village, the Olympic chairman tried to calm down the “worried” athletes

President of Tokyo Olympic Games After suffering the first coronavirus infection in the Olympic Village, I tried to reassure the athletes.

Officials confirmed that a person in the village tested positive for the coronavirus on Friday, adding to concerns about a possible surge in infections during the Olympic Games, which opened on July 23 due to the pandemic.

According to Agence France-Presse, the chairman of the organizing committee, Seiko Hashimoto, said that she understands that athletes have to deal with the strict coronavirus testing schedule due to the pressure of participating in the Olympics.

“Athletes who come to Japan may be very worried. I understand this,” she said. “This is why we need full disclosure.”

The village’s positive test was one of 15 positive cases related to the Olympics announced on Saturday.

The Associated Press reported that this person was only identified as a “person related to the game” and was listed as a non-Japanese resident.

Tokyo Organizing Committee spokesperson Masa Takaya said at a press conference: “This is the first case reported in the village during the screening test.” “Now this person is confined to a hotel,” Takatani said.

The Tokyo Bay Olympic Village will accommodate approximately 11,000 athletes and thousands of other staff during the Olympic Games

But Japan will still be in a state of coronavirus emergency After recording a surge of new cases, throughout the Olympics.

At a press conference on Saturday, IOC President Thomas Bach once again called on the Japanese people to support the Olympics. Polls show that most Japanese oppose Affected by the epidemic, the Tokyo Olympics, which has been postponed for one year, were held as scheduled.

In response to a question from a Japanese reporter, Bach said: “We are very aware of this skepticism. Obviously, there are many people here in Japan.” “My appeal to the Japanese people.” [is] Welcome these athletes. “

Ask about lack of support In an interview with another Japanese reporter, Bach added: “Even in Japan, the Olympics or any other events have never received 100% support. This is part of democracy.

“You will always have different opinions. In the case of a pandemic, such discussions become more intense and emotional. This is something we must understand. Many people feel a lot of pressure and they have to face uncertainty. “