The organising committee for next year’s Olympics in Tokyo has concluded three days of security tests and COVID-19 countermeasures as it looks to ensure that the rescheduled Games can go ahead safely amid the ongoing difficulties caused by the pandemic.
The tests were carried out at Tokyo Big Sight (pictured), which will house the International Broadcasting Centre and Main Press Centre during the Games.
One of the measures tested was the use of a thermal sticker, which guests can tape on to their wrists before having their baggage checked when entering venues. The sticker is able to determine skin temperature even through clothing, and would allow security personnel to check guests while maintaining a safe distance.
A group comprising the organising committee and local and national government officials is discussing potential COVID-19 countermeasures ahead of next year’s Olympics, which are scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 8. The Paralympics will follow from August 24 to September 5.
A mid-term report will be delivered by the commission in December. The group is also exploring how the measures can be used at other sporting events.
Other measures tested this week included thermology cameras and non-contact thermometers. Volunteers involved in the trials tested a number of different scenarios such as forgetting to wear a mask and attempting to take an aerosol can through security.
“Pack less, wait less,” Tokyo 2020 security director Tsuyoshi Iwashita said, according to the Reuters news agency. “We don’t want to delay the excitement, so please come with very little luggage.
“For the testing of security measures, probably this is the last one. As for COVID-19, when we finalise the measures, we want to check these processes. To do so, we will set up further types of testing occasions.”
Specific details on how many fans will be permitted at Tokyo 2020 venues next year are yet to be finalised.
Image: Rs1421/CC BY-SA 3.0/Edited for size
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