The Tokyo Olympics Village reported its first Covid-19 case today (July 17), six days before the Games officially starts.

Infected personnel is visitor from abroad

Japan Times reported that the infected personnel, who is staying in the Village, is a visitor from abroad who is involved in organising the Games.

Masa Takaya, spokesman for the Tokyo organizing committee, said during a press conference:

“There was one person in the Village. That was the very first case in the Village that was reported during the screening test."

Inside The Games reported that this is a concern for the Tokyo Olympic Games organisers and the International Olympic Committee because they had promised that the Village would be the "safest place" in Tokyo.

It also quoted Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto who said that they will spare no effort in ensuring that the Village doesn't suffer a Covid-19 outbreak .

44 infections linked to Tokyo Olympic Games since July 1

Since July 1, there have been 44 infections linked to the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Based on a list which is updated by the organisers, these cases range from media personnel, contractors, personnel who are affiliated with the Games, and even one athlete.

Majority of Japanese opposed hosting Olympics

A previous survey conducted by Japanese paper Asahi Shimbun found that more than 80 per cent of Japanese people opposed hosting the Olympics this year as the country battles repeated waves of Covid-19 infection.

A separate poll by Kyodo News found that 87.7 per cent of respondents were afraid that athletes and staff members from abroad may spread the virus.