Days before the Games begin, the first coronavirus case was discovered in Tokyo at the Paralympics 2020 according to organisers, as Japan fights a record wave of infections.
According to organisers, the case involves a Games-related member of staff who is not a Japanese resident , but no more information was provided.
So far, 74 cases have been connected to the Paralympics, the majority of which have occurred among contractors and Games personnel who reside in Japan. Local regions hosting teams for training camps have reported six more cases.
Infections have yet to be detected among athletes in the community, which welcomed Paralympians on Tuesday.
From August 24 to September 5, about 4,400 athletes from 160 teams will participate in Tokyo.
Those living in the village will be subjected to daily COVID-19 testing, face masks, and social isolation, much as they were during the Olympic Games, which concluded on August 8.
The Paralympics begin around two weeks after the Olympics, with organisers claiming that strict anti-virus precautions prevented any significant spread of illness.
So far, 546 positive cases have been connected to the Olympics, with some experts claiming that the Games weakened the government’s message on virus regulations and led to an increase in domestic infections.
Japan has had more than 20,000 daily viral cases in recent days, more than ever before, and the government has declared a virus state of emergency in 13 areas until September 12.
The regulation primarily reduces restaurant and bar operating hours and prohibits them from selling alcohol, although experts have questioned whether the limitations are effective, given the rising number of instances.
