TOKYO • Tokyo Olympics organisers wrapped up three days of tests on Wednesday, trialling a number of security and Covid-19 countermeasures and asking supporters and officials to pack less to wait less when entering venues during the Games.
During the tests at Tokyo Big Sight, a convention centre that will host local and international media organisations during the postponed Games, organisers assessed various technologies to monitor body temperatures of spectators.
As seen at other sporting events during the global pandemic, thermography cameras and non-contact infrared thermometers were used but organisers also tested the use of "thermometer strips".
The strips, which were pasted onto the wrists of volunteers being used in the trial, contain heat-sensitive liquid crystals and can detect if the wearer has a fever.
Another key element of the field test was checking how smoothly spectators can pass through the inspection area while other measures, such as social distancing in queues, are being enforced.
Volunteers presented security personnel with more than 40 different scenarios, including forgetting to wear a mask and trying to bring an aerosol can through security, to test their readiness for the Games.
Organisers were happy with the testing but said more trials will be needed when full Covid-19 protocols are decided.
"Pack less, wait less. We don't want to delay the excitement, so please come with very little luggage," urged Tokyo 2020 security director Tsuyoshi Iwashita.
"For the testing of security measures, probably this is the last one. As for Covid-19, when we finalise the measures, we want to check these processes. To do so, we will set up further types of testing."
Organisers have yet to decide whether fans will be allowed into venues during the Olympics, which run from July 23 to Aug 8 next year.
International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach has said organisers expect to welcome spectators from around the world, although it is unsure the sort of capacity that will be allowed.
Doubts, however, remain over the viability of the Olympics amid the coronavirus pandemic, with almost 80 per cent of Games volunteers concerned about its spread.
According to a survey done by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG), almost half of 13,000 respondents are also worried about the impact the delay will have "on the level of enthusiasm".
In response to the findings, TMG said it has been creating "infection control manuals" to ensure a safe and secure environment for volunteer activities and that further training would be provided.
Online training will continue until next March, when the volunteers will be notified of which role they will fill at the Games.
REUTERS
