Israel intends to have all its athletes due to compete at the Tokyo Olympics vaccinated against COVID-19 by May, its National Olympic Committee said on Wednesday, amid global debate over whether athletes should be given priority.
Global coronavirus cases surpassed 100 million on Wednesday, according to a Reuters tally, as countries around the world struggle with new virus variants and vaccine shortfalls.
Israel, however, leads the world in terms of per capita vaccinations, having inoculated 29% of its population with at least one dose.
"As part of the Israel vaccination for corona procedure, already 50% of all the Israel Olympic athletes delegation to Tokyo have been vaccinated," a committee spokesperson told Reuters in an email.
"By the end of May 2021, all... will be completely vaccinated against the coronavirus."
Much of Japan is under a state of emergency due to a third wave of COVID-19 infections, but organizers have vowed to press ahead with the Games, which are due to open on July 23 after being postponed for a year because of the pandemic.
(Reuters)
