This archive report was first published on 22 August 2021.
August 22, 2021 - Tokyo, Japan
As Japan grapples with its fifth wave of COVID-19 infections, driven by the highly infectious Delta variant, authorities in the Japanese capital are weighing plans to convert some of the city's Olympics and Paralympics venues into temporary medical facilities.
The move comes as the government extends pandemic emergency measures in Tokyo and other regions until September 12, amid soaring COVID-19 infections that have piled pressure on the healthcare system.
Planners of the Paralympics, set to run from August 24 to September 5, have agreed to hold the Games without spectators, a measure taken at the recently concluded Olympics.
Medical experts have urged the temporary use of facilities owned by the Tokyo government, such as the Tokyo Aquatics Centre and the Musashino Forest Sport Plaza, to alleviate the pressure on the healthcare system.
However, the earliest these facilities could be drafted into use would be after the Paralympic Games, with more time required to complete arrangements and address other challenges such as enforcing strict infection control measures and securing medical staff.
On Saturday, Tokyo reported 5,074 new daily infections, breaking above 5,000 for a fourth straight day, with Paralympics organisers describing the circumstances as 'very difficult'.
