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Large numbers want Tokyo Olympics cancelled - poll

15:35 pm on 15 December 2020

Photo: AFP / Yomiuri

A third of Japanese residents want the Tokyo Olympics to be scrapped amid fears that an influx of foreign arrivals may cause a further spike in COVID-19 cases, a poll by public broadcaster NHK has revealed.

The Japanese government and International Olympic Committee decided in March to postpone the 2020 Olympics by a year due to the global pandemic.

But as Japan grapples with a third wave of infections, the NHK poll shows 32% of respondents wants the Games to cancelled entirely.

Only 27% said they should go ahead.

According to an NHK poll in October, 40% said the Olympics should be held as planned with only 23% favouring cancellation and 25% preferring further postponement.

While Japan has avoided the vast number of infections and deaths seen in many other countries across the world, a recent resurgence in cases has forced the government to re-introduce steps such as requesting bars and restaurants to close early.

-Reuters