The organisers of the Olympic Games still maintain the event is safe.

Athletes have started to arrive in Tokyo since last week ahead of the Olympic Games set to take place in Japan this year. All athletes are being housed in what is known as “Olympic Villages”. These are small “towns” that have been isolated and where only international athletes are allowed to stay. The idea is that by keeping athletes separated from the rest of the nation, possible Covid-19 infections can be curbed. 

Two South African football players, however, became the first athletes in the Village to test positive for the Coronavirus. Thabiso Monyane and Kamohelo Mahlatsi apparantly followed every health protocol and had the necessary clearance to enter the country and yet still became infected somewhere along their journey.

South African video analyst Mario Masha and rugby sevens coach Neil Powell have also tested positive for the virus. Further to these infections, an official from the Olympic Games also residing in the Village also tested positive over the weekend.

IOC president Thomas Bach insisted the Games will be “safe and secure”. 

South Africa team manager Mxolisi Sibam said in a statement: “Masha and Monyane reported high temperatures and positive saliva tests, and were then taken to do the nasal test…and they unfortunately tested positive for Covid-19.”

The infected team members are now in isolation where they will continue to be monitored and will not be allowed to train or have any physical contact with the rest of the squad. 

IOC president Bach said on Thursday the risk of the Japanese public being infected with the virus by a Games participant is “zero”.