I was still a reporter at @Reuters when I started preparing for #Tokyo2020 - 3 years ago. I was so excited to be travelling to Japan for the games, and the biggest story we were focusing on then was how it was going to be the hottest Olympics on record. How times have changed.
@Reuters But just a reminder that the heat is still an issue - especially since first responders can easily confuse heat stroke and COVID-19 patients as they bear similar symptoms. Masks - which will be required at the games - will bring up body temps too amid the hot weather.
Jul 8, 2021 • 4 tweets • 1 min read
Latest from Japan as we inch closer to the #Tokyo2020:
-Tokyo is set to announce its 4th state of emergency
-Games will be held amid the state of emergency
-Organizers will be banning spectators from the games (according to Asahi)
Government will be officially deciding plans after listening to opinions of an expert panel. But last time I checked - Dr. Shigeru Omi, Japan's top medical advisor - already said having no fans would be the safest option.
Jul 6, 2021 • 12 tweets • 3 min read
People are asking about the ‘Olympic Bubble’ and seem shocked to hear that media flying in can go anywhere they want after 14 days. Here is what I know - and yes, it’s another story about a #Tokyo2020 logistical nightmare:
My company booked a hotel months ago for our team flying in from abroad. At the beginning of June I stumbled across an email that organizers had sent to other media orgs (but not us) saying that they now need to be staying in Tokyo2020 approved hotels.
Jul 5, 2021 • 11 tweets • 2 min read
I am the Olympic COVID-19 Liaison for my organization. #Tokyo2020 has so far been a crapshoot and is making me lose my hair: a thread.
For background, the Tokyo2020 Organizing Committee asked all media organizations, delegations and others involved to designate a COVID-19 Liaison, who would be in charge of getting their members into Japan and ensuring they follow coronavirus protocols while here.
