Games Minister: China Vaccine Needs Approval First
Japan's Minister for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games says a Chinese coronavirus vaccine is not a likely option for Japanese athletes at present, as it would require approval by the Japanese government.
Marukawa Tamayo was responding on Friday to reports that the head of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, had offered China-made coronavirus vaccines for athletes and others participating in this summer's Tokyo Games and the 2022 Beijing Games.
Marukawa said there had been no prior consultations from the IOC side about this proposal. She said the offer will be considered by countries where Chinese vaccines have been approved for use. She added that she does not know if any Chinese firm has applied for the use of its vaccine in Japan.
Marukawa went on to say that the government has decided to take comprehensive anti-infection measures so that anyone can participate in the Tokyo Games without concerns even if they have not been vaccinated. She said the government's policy of not making vaccination a prerequisite for taking part in the events remains unchanged.