With the Olympics set to begin this Friday in Tokyo, Japan, one might assume it’s a cause for celebration. After all, they postponed the event for a year to allow the world to better manage the COVID-19 crisis, aiming to prevent a superspreader scenario. However, the reality is far from reassuring.
The pandemic is still very much present, and cases have surged globally due to the Delta variant. In Japan, where only 22% of the population is fully vaccinated, the situation is particularly dire. The country has even declared a state of emergency in response to the rising number of infections. Unsurprisingly, only 22% of Japanese citizens support hosting the Olympics, and who can blame them? Inviting athletes and spectators from all corners of the globe, especially where the Delta variant is rampant, poses a significant risk of further transmission.
What are we thinking? Haven’t we learned that during a global health crisis, there are activities that should be postponed? While the Olympics are meaningful to many, the safety of lives should take precedence over sporting events.
Yes, the organizers have instituted measures to mitigate risks, including testing and quarantining. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) reports that 85% of the athletes are vaccinated and that spectators will not be allowed. But bringing together people from around the world amid the most contagious variant of COVID-19 is inherently risky.
Already, there have been 71 confirmed cases linked to the Olympics, including 31 from international visitors. This number is likely to climb, as we’ve seen with outbreaks previously. And it’s not just concerned citizens voicing apprehension; even Francis Collins, the director of the National Institutes of Health, has raised alarms about the potential for the Olympics to become a superspreader event.
Living through a pandemic is fraught with difficult choices. After almost 18 months, we all crave normalcy. However, that doesn’t mean we can ignore the ongoing health crisis. We need to prioritize our fundamental needs—working, maintaining mental health, and ensuring our families are safe—over hosting the Olympics.
The relentless push to hold the Olympics appears driven by financial motives, not the well-being of people. NBC has reportedly sold $1.25 billion in ads, and their CEO is optimistic about this being the most profitable Olympics ever. It’s a grim reminder of how profits can overshadow human health.
Imagine if the decision-makers had opted to prioritize lives instead, acknowledging that the pandemic is worsening and that every life matters. One can only hope that the Olympics do not lead to the widespread transmission many fear.
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In summary, the decision to host the Olympics in the midst of an ongoing pandemic is fraught with risks and appears more motivated by financial gain than by the welfare of individuals. As the event progresses, we can only hope it doesn’t exacerbate the current health crisis.
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