COVID-related protocols for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo are ongoing.
We will continue to update this page as information becomes available.
This page was last updated on July 8.
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If you have questions about the upcoming GamesWhenare the Olympics?
is a major one, but lets not forget wonderingiftheyre even going to happenyoure not the only one.
So what does that mean for the2020 Olympics?
Still, we cant be entirely sure things wont change as the Olympics loom closer.
When are the Olympics, and where will the Games be held?
The Olympic Games are scheduled to take place from July 21 through August 8, 2021.
The Paralympics are scheduled for August 24 through September 5, 2021.
Wherethey are taking place requires a little more explanation.
However, some events will actually be held outside of Japans capital city.
Surfing will be held at Tsurigasaki Surfing Beach, about 90 minutes west of the city.
For details on the locations of specific events, check theofficial Olympics website.
Why are the Olympics taking place in 2021?
Originally scheduled for 2020, the Olympics were pushed back a year because of COVID-19.
Well, thats not totally clear.
Finances could definitely play a part.
Have we ever skipped an Olympics before?
Short answer: Yes, but only in wartime.
The slightly longer answer requires a quick history lesson.
Since the first Olympic Games were held in 1896,theyve been canceled three times.
But the Japanese government forfeited its right to hold the Games, citing tensions with China as the reason.
Although the 1972 Munich games werent canceled, they weretemporarily suspendeddue to a terrorist attack at the Olympic Village.
The Games paused for 34 hours before resuming.
What is the COVID-19 situation in Japan?
In other words, its not the safest place to be regarding COVID-19.
Then again, the U.S. (as a whole) is also classified as a level 3.
(For additionalreference, Australia is level 1; Brazil is level 4.)
The CDC uses data from the World Health Organization to classify these levels.
Are residents okay with the Tokyo Games going on?
Not surprisingly, a lot of them arent happy about it.
Many Japanese residents have beenprotestingthe Games.
(This was down from83%who reported feeling this way in May.)
Under the circumstances, we can understand why many people wouldnt be thrilled about hosting a huge international event.
Right now, about 10% of Japanese residents are fully vaccinated, according todatafromThe New York Times.
What COVID-19 safety precautions will be required for Olympic athletes?
There are a lot.
Will Olympic spectators be allowed?
Local spectators would still be allowed atlimited capacity.
Could the 2021 Olympics be canceled?
This is probably the biggest question.
Could the pandemic be considered such a threat?
