The Olympic torch relay is expected to avoid metropolitan Osaka (west of Japan) due to a further rise in Covid-19 infections, the local governor and city mayor said on Thursday, according to reports. local media.

The Olympic torch relay is expected to avoid the metropolis of Osaka (western Japan) due to a further increase in Covid-19 infections, the local governor and mayor of the city said Thursday, according to local media.

Officials in Osaka did not immediately comment on statements attributed to the city's mayor and the governor of the department of the same name where it is located, as the Japanese government reportedly prepares to impose new measures to combat Covid-19 in some areas of Osaka and two other departments.

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"Non-essential outings"

According to several Japanese media, Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura wants the Olympic torch relay stage in the city of Osaka to be canceled.

"We believe that this falls into the category of non-essential outings and that crowds should be avoided in the city of Osaka," he said according to the Mainichi newspaper.

According to local media reports, the mayor of Osaka, Ichiro Matsui, also demanded that the relay avoid the city.

"It is very unfortunate, but the torch relay must be canceled," he said, according to the Nikkei newspaper. 

The Tokyo Olympics, delayed for a year due to the pandemic, are to be held from July 23 to August 8.

The Olympic torch relay kicked off on March 25 in Fukushima (northeastern Japan), with organizers hoping it will help build enthusiasm for these Games affected by the global health crisis.

The flame is scheduled to pass through Osaka County on April 13 and 14, starting with Sakai City and ending with Osaka City.

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Towards new restrictions

Tokyo-2020 organizers did not immediately comment on the news about the Olympic torch relay in Osaka.

The governor of another department also hinted that he could ask that the baton not pass there if the measures to fight the virus are not strengthened.

The rules already require spectators along the relay route to wear masks and avoid cheering the torchbearers.

Organizers said stages could be canceled if crowds are too large.

Coronavirus infections have increased in Osaka and Hyogo (west) and Miyagi (northeast) departments.

The government is expected to officially announce new restrictions for these areas during the day, which will allow local authorities to ask some businesses to close earlier or face fines.