The Heat: Tokyo Olympics controversy

The Heat

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga extended the Covid-19 state of emergency in Tokyo and other areas of Japan until June 20th.

The move comes amid growing calls to delay or cancel the Summer Olympics ahead of its scheduled July 23rd start. As teams begin to make their way to Tokyo, the Prime Minister says the next three weeks are key to speeding up vaccinations and stopping the spread of coronavirus in Japan.

To discuss the ongoing controversy: 

  • Victor Matheson has studied costs and benefits of hosting the Olympic Games. He’s an economics professor at the College of the Holy Cross.
  • Journalist Mike Bako is the sports editor at DailyNational.com.
  • Dr. Dale Fisher focuses on infectious diseases at the National University of Singapore, and the country’s National University Hospital. 
  • Dick Pound is a former Olympian and vice president of the International Olympic Committee.

 

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