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The longest-serving IOC member Richard Pound has doubts about hosting the summer games in Tokyo, which has been postponed to this year.

"I can't be sure because the waves of the virus are still like an elephant in the room," the Canadian is quoted by the British BBC as saying.

The state of emergency had previously been imposed again in the Olympic city of Tokyo because the number of new corona infections had risen to new record highs.

On this Friday alone, Tokyo reports 2,392 new corona cases, the second highest value in the city's pandemic history.

The preliminary peak in new infections was reached on Wednesday when 2447 infections were reported.

Hitoshi Oshitani, professor of virology at Tohoku University and a member of the panel of experts advising the Japanese government, said: "It is undoubtedly much more difficult to bring the current situation under control compared to last summer."

Host Japan and the International Olympic Committee confirmed on Thursday that they would stick to their plans for "safe and protected games" in July and August.

Because of the corona pandemic, the Tokyo Games that were actually planned for the previous year had been postponed by a year.

Less than 200 days before the planned opening ceremony, Pound's statements are now fueling concerns that the mega sports event may actually increase.

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The 78-year-old campaigned again to give preference to Olympians for the corona vaccinations.

“Athletes are important role models.

By getting vaccinated, they are sending a powerful message that vaccination is not just about your own health, it is also about solidarity and consideration for the wellbeing of others around you, ”said Pound.

Additional expenditures for corona prevention of 760 million euros

IOC President Thomas Bach had ruled out compulsory vaccination.

The organizers advertise that as many athletes and other Tokyo travelers as possible get vaccinated.

Around 11,000 athletes from all over the world will take part in the games.

There are also functionaries, helpers and media representatives.

It is still unclear whether spectators will also be admitted.

For the measures to protect against Corona, the Olympic organizers are planning additional expenditure of around 760 million euros.

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