In light of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic postponement, Tokyo’s governor, Yuriko Koike, announced on March 27th that the city is currently weighing the option of using the Olympic Athletes Village as temporary housing for coronavirus patients. As the coronavirus situation in Japan worsens, the fear that Tokyo’s medical facilities may become overwhelmed with patients sparked Governor Koike to say, "Why not use the Athlete’s Village? Hopefully we can get the cooperation of the Olympic Games Organizing Committee. "
rendering of Tokyo's Olympic Village by Mitsui Fudosan
The Athlete’s Village, which is currently being sold under the Harumi Flag moniker, is still under construction and is scheduled to be completed this April. Twenty one separate wings were meant to accommodate about 18,000 athletes with a total of 3,850 units. When Governor Koike met Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday, she requested that he make every effort to secure temporary accommodation for coronavirus patients suffering from mild symptoms.
This news comes as Japan saw a large surge in newly reported Covid-19 cases over the weekend, with Tokyo breaking a single day record on Sunday with 68 new cases. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has hinted at declaring a state of emergency in Japan. Several measures have already been implemented in Tokyo, but they fall short of an actual lockdown. The city has promoted social distancing, encouraged employees to work from home if possible, and cancelled or postponed several public events. Last Friday Gov. Koike also closed several public parks, zoos and museums until April 12th. Japan also plans to add new Covid-19 affected countries to its travel ban.
Source: Asahi Shimbun
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