Northstar's Jason Gewirtz recently returned from Tokyo and explains how the Games might set an example in Covid safety for other large-scale global events. Photo Credit: International Olympic Committee
Even with no spectators permitted, an estimated 50,000 people visited Tokyo over the last few weeks for this year's Olympic Games.
SportsTravel editor Jason Gewirtz, who recently returned from Tokyo, shares his experience at the Games and explains how the Olympics might set an example in Covid safety for other large-scale global events in the latest episode of Northstar Meetings Group's Eventful podcast.
Gewirtz has been covering the Olympics for several years, but this year's Games have been an experience like no other. He details the safety measures employed across the city to ensure event bubbles created around international visitors and athletes were not compromised; logistics surrounding rigorous testing; and the importance of adapting on the fly — event organisers take note!
Among the points that were discussed:
• All participants needed two negative Covid tests prior to arrival, and then were tested again at the airport — a six-hour process. (2:05)
• There was a lot of criticism about whether this event should even take place, with Covid rates in Tokyo even higher than they were last year when the Games were postponed. (6:25)
• Logistics involved an extensive transportation system connecting the Olympic venues with about 200 area hotels. Public transit was off limits, per Covid protocols. (9:40)
• Extensive and well-organised testing throughout the event was critical to the safety plan. (15:00)
• The loss of revenue from tickets sales and spectator spending is financially devastating to the host city. (18:45)
• Planners of large-scale sporting events, meetings and conventions can learn from what worked — and what didn't — in providing a Covid-safe international gathering. (21:45)
Listen to the full episode here.