Olympic torch relay is prohibited from public roads in Osaka region of Japan

The governor said on Wednesday that the Olympic torch relay would be stopped from public roads in the Osaka region of Japan, as cases of the virus were on the rise, causing officials to have trouble declaring a medical emergency. The decision to keep the flame away from public view was already taken for the city of Osaka, but Wednesday’s announcement measures the full measure. Regional Governor Hirofumi Yimimura told reporters, “Today, we have decided to ask residents of the entire Osaka area to refrain from doing non-urgent and non-essential outings, so we will cancel the flashlight relay on public roads . “

He said that officials were discussing whether the torch could be taken on a closed path inside the park as an alternative.

The Olympic flame began its nationwide relay on March 25 in Fukushima and is due to pass through the Osaka region on April 13 and 14.

The relay launch ceremony was held without an audience due to virus concerns, and regulations already require fans to wear masks and en route to avoid cheering.

Yoshimura said that it would be “inappropriate” to place it on public roads in the Osaka area as a large number of spectators could gather.

“The torch relay tends to attract crowds because people want to see it, even if we take measures,” he said.

The decision came as the Osaka region declared a medical emergency, with the increased infection putting local health facilities under stress.

The number of infections is expected to be recorded later on Wednesday after fixing several new heights in recent weeks.

Local residents are being asked to avoid non-essential outings, and the city of Osaka is already under special anti-virus measures in which businesses are asked to close early.

Yoshimura suggested last week that Osaka City’s relay leg be canceled before an agreement was made to keep the fire away from public roads.

With more than 100 days until the virus-postponed game is scheduled to open on July 23, Olympic officials are grappling with the problems caused by a new upsurge in cases.

On Tuesday, Tokyo 2020 confirmed that a water polo test program would be postponed as the virus ban meant that officials from overseas could not enter the country.

Promoted

And three qualifiers held in Japan by the international swimming federation FINA are in doubt due to virus restrictions, with the announcement of whether they will be transferred due this week.

There was no immediate comment from the Tokyo 2020 organizers, who said earlier that the Torch Relay’s legs could be canceled if there was more congestion.