What Olympic 'bubble'? Entry loopholes result in contact between athletes, fans
NARITA, Chiba -- As foreign Olympic delegations arrive in Japan one after another ahead of the games' opening on July 23, a "bubble system" to separate them from outside parties to prevent the spread of the coronavirus is showing its own limits, with some athletes coming close to general travelers at an airport and fans asking for autographs from delegates.
According to related parties, the number of athletes and other individuals connected to the games slated to arrive at Narita International Airport in Chiba Prefecture peaked on July 18, at a total of some 2,500.
The arrival of foreign delegations got into full swing on July 1, and the afternoon of July 17 saw the airport in the most disarray this reporter has witnessed.
When the national soccer squads from Argentina, France and South Korea came out at the arrival lobby one after the other, several fans forced their way past staff from the organizing committee to barge into the exclusive paths created for athletes, hopping over keep-out chains.
"Please stay away," one staffer yelled, while another shouted, "The police will come." Nevertheless, the fans dashed to the athletes heading to the bus depot. Some fans even asked for autographs, while others had themselves photographed with the athletes, with their masks off.
"As fellow Japanese, I think they're crazy," a staff member lamented after repeatedly issuing warnings to the fans.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210719/p2a/00m/0na/026000c
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