10000 new Covid cases but math favors the Games – MENAFN.COM

10000 new Covid cases but math favors the Games – MENAFN.COM

(MENAFN - Asia Times) New Covid-19 cases in Japan were on the brink of 10, 000 for the first time this week, casting a cloud over the Olympics, according to media reports. The confirmed official figure was 9, 470 as of Thursday, so the 10, 000 figure was likely to be surpassed on Friday. Thanks to gold medal wins by Japanese athletes, longstanding popular opposition to the games had dipped below half of those polled following the opening ceremony. Now, the opposition again appears to be gaining ground. There is little indication, however, that the government and the International Olympics Committee will change course. Two factors, which could change very quickly, back their posture. First, hospital bed occupancy by Covid 19 patients is still only around 48, 000. During past peaks, Covid-19 patients occupied more than 70, 000 beds in both January and May this year when daily cases were around 7, 000. It appears the current wave is hitting mostly the younger generation. The average age of patients in previous peaks was much higher. Fatality data show a similar trend. After the vaccination of seniors began late this spring, the fatality rates began to decline. This apparently is now