A security guard wearing a mask to help protect against the spread of the coronavirus stands at a wall with Tokyo 2020 Olympics mascot Miraitowa on July 13, 2021, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
BEIJING (Kyodo) -- Chinese sailing athletes for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics have been frustrated with Japan's lax measures to prevent novel coronavirus infections, as they have been forced to stay at the same hotel as local tourists, state-run media reported.
Chinese Yachting Association President Zhang Xiaodong was quoted by the official Xinhua News Agency as saying the sailing team has requested the Tokyo 2020 organizers to enhance COVID-19 precautions in the hotel.
In China, the Communist-led government has taken radical "zero corona" steps, such as compelling foreign visitors to be completely quarantined at a designated facility at least for 14 days, expressing confidence that the nation has brought the virus under control.
"Although the teams from different countries are arranged on separate floors, local tourists still mix with Olympic athletes in the lobby and the restaurant," Zhang said, adding, "It may increase potential risks of COVID-19 infections," according to Xinhua.
For the Olympics, which will be held from July 23 through Aug. 8, the organizers have laid out strict COVID-19 rules for athletes, spectators and other participants.
Around 11,000 athletes from across the globe, competing in 33 sports will be kept in a "bubble" and will not be allowed to interact with locals or visit places outside of their venues or accommodations.
The residence of the Chinese sailing athletes, however, is outside the Olympic Village as the Enoshima Yacht Harbour venue is located away from downtown Tokyo, the news agency said.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters in Beijing on Monday, "I'm not aware of that."
"We hope Japan will host a successful Olympic Games. We hope and trust that the Japanese side can make proper epidemic arrangement for all delegations including Chinese athletes," he said.
China is scheduled to host the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics in February.
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