TOKYO—The reported 79 Games-related Covid-19 infections does not seem to scare athletes and officials at the Olympic Village.
“The athletes approach each day as a regular one,” Team Philippines official doctor Randy Molo told members of the Philippine media over breakfast at the Conrad Tokyo on Wednesday, But they don’t let their guards down.”
The Japanese government out the country in a state of emergency to prevent the further spread of the virus as the Olympics approach its opening ceremony on Friday.
Molo said athletes go about their businesses with guarded optimism inside the 44-hectare Olympic Village located in Tokyo’s Harumi Waterfront District.
“They bring their chairs into the open, grass field and they soak up the sun,” he said. “You see athletes jogging or cycling, but with the usual masks and social distancing.”
The most fun from among the 14 Filipino athletes staying inside the village is skateboarder Margielyn Didal, who goes around the facility using her skateboard.
“They are moving around freely, but of course, with the usual protocols that we have been used to in the Philippines, social distancing, use of face masks,” Molo said.
Athletes, officials and coaches undergo saliva testing for Covid-19 daily. Members of the media and other participants get tested every four days.
Molo also revealed that Irish Magno is back to her training as if nothing happened, after the boxer suffered a soft tissue contusion during her skip-rope training session.
“Nothing serious, she’s back training with the rest of the boxing team,” said Dr. Molo.
The Athletes’ Village has been hogging the spotlight lately, from several participants testing positive of the virus, to “cardboard beds that are not sturdy enough for sex.”