Tokyo Olympics: Covid-19 cases go past 100-mark on the opening day

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Tokyo Olympics has reported new Covid-19 cases as they breached the 100-mark count on the opening day. The organisers announced 19 new infections with the Czech contingent being worst hit after a fourth athlete tested positive for the virus. The Games is scheduled to open with a ceremony which will be attended by less than 1,000 dignitaries without any spectators.

Around three athletes, 10 Games personnel, three media persons, and many contractors have been found positive, Tokyo Olympics organisers reported. The total number of cases reported is around 106, including 11 athletes.

The Czech contingent reported its sixth overall case even as it investigated breach of health safety protocols while travelling to Japan.

Athletes test positive

Road cyclist Michal Schlegel was the sixth Czech member of the team who tested positive for Covid-19. He will now not be able to make it to the Olympic road race as per reports

The reports of athlete Carey McLeod being tested positive were also floating. Carey was set to compete in the men’s long and triple jump events.

The other athletes in the Czech contingent to have tested positive are beach volleyball players Ondrej Perusic and Marketa Nausch, and table tennis player Pavel Sirucek.

Taekwondo player Fernanda Aguirre from Chile, Dutch skateboarder Candy Jacobs, and taekwondo player Reshmie Oogink are among the cases that have been reported among athletes who have landed in Tokyo. They will not be able to participate in the events.

Earlier, two South African footballers, and an American beach volleyball player had also tested positive. Some athletes have been forced to withdraw even before reaching the city after returning positive tests in their home countries.