On April 13 the flame of the Gods of Olympia will reach Osaka of Japan. The relay of the Olympic torch is still on.
However, due to the COVID-19 increasing cases, the Japanese territory of Osaka will move its portion of the Olympic Torch Relay off public roads. Some parks have been selected to carry out the torch without any spectators.
Olympic organizers announced that Osaka claimed a medical state of emergency this week and has requested Tokyo 2020 to hold the Osaka segment of the Olympic Torch Relay in the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park and not on public roads.
To safeguard an environment for all torchbearers who desire to run the Olympic torch, when the flame is in Osaka on April 13 and 14, it will be kept to the park and spectators will not be allowed to enter.
The relay started two weeks ago in Fukushima. It has been running its way southwest across Japan. Above 10000 runners are expected to take the Olympic torch in place for the event.
It is almost certain that this distorted virus is highly contagious and unfortunately has a high transmission speed. Osaka would like to ask all residents of the county to refrain from going out unnecessarily especially now that the Olympic torch is heading there.
The medical system and first responders are in a very tight and crucial situation.
This announcement and such a change in the relay plans is an early proof of just how much could change before the start of the games in July.
Previously, the Olympic Committee banned spectators from abroad. The opening ceremony will be a much smaller event and the above 15000 athletes will be kept in safe “bubbles” during the competition.
We all have prayed, taken precautions, respected the social distancing and quarantine. Now, may the Gods of Olympia save the Olympic Games and their athletes.