Tokyo Olympics organisers report COVID-19 cases among athletes

• Organisers on Sunday reported 10 new cases connected to the Olympics.
• Infection rates are climbing among the general population of Tokyo, topping 1,000 new cases for four consecutive days. 
• Polls show many Japanese oppose holding the Games with the influx of overseas visitors it entails.

TOKYO: The organisers of the Tokyo Olympics announced on Sunday that multiple athletes staying in the Olympic village have tested positive for coronavirua, as authorities prepare to host the pandemic-hit Games next week.

Two athletes from the same country and competing in the same sport staying in the village in the Harumi waterfront district tested positive for the virus, organisers said without providing further details.

Organisers on Sunday reported 10 new cases connected to the Olympics including a third athlete who was not staying in the village and down from 15 new cases a day earlier.

An International Olympic Committee member from South Korea tested positive for the coronavirus on landing in Tokyo. Ryu Seung-min, a former Olympic athlete, is vaccinated, reflecting the infection risk even from vaccinated attendees.

Infection rates are climbing among the general population of the capital, topping 1,000 new cases for four consecutive days. Polls show many Japanese oppose holding the Games with the influx of overseas visitors it entails.

The rainy season ended in Tokyo on Friday, bringing blue skies and intense heat. The burden on participants has been increased by virus countermeasures like masking.