2LT Local News

WASHINGTON D.C.: The White House has again voiced its support for the summer Olympic Games to be held in Tokyo, even as a new wave of Covid infections has spread throughout Japan.

“Our position has not changed on the Olympics,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters.

“The government has stressed that public health remains a central priority as they plan to host the Games.”

Also reaffirming U.S. support for Japan on Tuesday, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said President Joe Biden supports “the U.S. athletes who have trained for these Games and will be competing in the best traditions of the Olympic spirit.”

In April, during a visit by Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, the White House announced that Biden supported Japan’s work to ensure the games will be virus-free.

However, the State Department has issued a “Do Not Travel” advisory for U.S. citizens hoping to travel to Japan.

The Tokyo Olympics are scheduled to begin on July 23.

Japan reports more than 700,000 people have contracted the Covid infection and 12,000 Japanese have died from the virus.

Japan has only vaccinated under 5 percent of its population. This is the lowest rate among the world’s wealthier countries.