Thread by @tkatsumi06j

#Tokyo2020 2021/7/15 EXCLUSIVE: Bus drivers of Olympic delegations NOT given proper anti-COVID protection. JCP official gazette reports they are packed into low-grade accommodations with serious lack of COVID measures. “Just one infected and we’ll all be out,” a driver exclaimed.

https://twitter.com/redbear2014/status/1415442225001992193

According to their report, not all the drivers, who come from around the country, are vaccinated, and they share showers, restrooms, and sinks in a low-grade accommodation provided by the organizers. The accommodation can house 500 each and is packed.
jcp.or.jp/akahata/aik21/…

While the drivers are instructed to follow the well-known “Avoid the 3Cs” principle, it is not realistic, because they often form queues for the sinks and toilets. Only two showers and bath tabs are provided and linens are replaced only every 5 days. Plus most are not vaccinated.

A driver asked to be vaccinated but he couldn’t because they were short of supply. A driver exclaimed: “No anti-COVID measures, no ventilations. Just disinfectants around sinks. People don’t even wear masks inside. We will definitely get infected unless we separate them all.”

At least 80,000 drivers are needed to run the bus operation, according to Olympic officials. And the drivers are just “astounded” to find them locked in this “unbelievable place”, said an official. They end up spending more money than making it, because most are self-funded.

There are virtually no eating places available so they mostly end up in buying food in convenience stores, again causing the risk for spread of infection. They interact with media people as well, further risking infection.

In day-to-day operation, drivers wear their masks and plastic shields seclude them from the passengers. But they could get infected if one of the passengers are unknowingly infected. But the organizers are unable to give them additional protection by providing vaccinations.