The government of Japan is reportedly considering for the requirement of negative COVID-19 test results or vaccination records from fans who are willing to attendi the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, the Yomiuri newspaper reported on Monday.
Even as several polls showed public opposition to the showpiece event, the host government and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have vowed to stage the games, which was postponed last year due to the pandemic.
With the opening of the Games less than two months away, Japan is witnessing the fourth wave of coronavirus infections beside a slow vaccination rollout process.
Meanwhile, foreign spectators have already been banned and game organisers are likely to take a call next month on whether local fans will be allowed to attend the event or not.
Also, in addition to other coronavirus measures like banning loud cheering and high-fives, the Yomiuri report said that the government was considering whether spectators should be required to show a negative test result taken within a week of attending an Olympic event.
However, the report was severely criticised on social media and the term “negative test certificate” was trending on Twitter in Japan, garnering over 8,000 tweets on Monday morning.
On the other hand, despite the report claiming of such a move by the host government, top government spokesman Katsunobu Kato told reporters on Monday he was not aware that any decision had been made regarding the issue and the Tokyo Olympics organising committee did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment on the report.
Earlier on Friday, Japan had extended a state of emergency in Tokyo and other areas to June 20.