Organisers say the Olympic Games will go ahead despite COVID-19 surge

Tokyo 2020 organisers say they will be ready to host the Olympic Games - despite the city declaring a state of emergency over COVID-19.

The rescheduled Olympic Games is set to take place between 23 July and 8 August this year.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said there was a "sense of crisis" as he announced emergency COVID-19 plans.

Organisers say this declaration of emergency offers an opportunity for Tokyo 2020 to plan for a safe and secure Games this summer.

They say they will proceed with the necessary preparations accordingly.

BBC News reports costs for the Olympic Games have increased by $US2.8bn because of measures needed to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The International Olympic Committee says it has full confidence in the Japanese authorities and the measures they are taking.

The IOC says it has sent a clear message from the beginning that there will be no obligation by athletes to get vaccinated.

International Olympic Committee says they are fully aligned in their commitment to have as many foreign participants as possible vaccinated before the Olympic Games.

[Source: BBC]