Olympics
Reuters 3y

Olympics 2020: Tokyo daily COVID-19 infections hit record high as cases exceed 4,000

Summer Olympics

COVID-19 cases in Olympic host city Tokyo surged to a record high of 4,058 on Saturday, the metropolitan government said, exceeding 4,000 for the first time and overshadowing the Games.

The new record comes a day after Japan decided to extend states of emergency to the end of August to three prefectures near Olympic host Tokyo and the western prefecture of Osaka in light of the recent spike in infections.

Spectators were barred from the Games in earlier this month after Tokyo was first placed in a state of emergency but cases continued to rise, putting pressure on hospitals. 

On Wednesday, Olympics organizers reported 16 new Games-related cases, raising the total to 169 since July 1. Athletes, staff and media must all follow strict rules, including frequent testing, inside an Olympic bubble.

^ Back to Top ^