Matt Barnes’ Olympics 2020 blog: Pandemic casts shadow over Games

TOKYO (WCMH) — COVID. COVID. COVID. That’s little doubt the story of those Video games. And with every passing day, it turns into an even bigger and greater story. Simply as we speak alone, CoCo Gauff and Kara Eaker, two U.S. Olympians, have examined constructive for the virus. And there have been different athletes from different international locations which have examined constructive as effectively. We aren’t near tremendous spreader standing by any means, it’s nonetheless regarding.

Within the meantime, our work goes on. Keep in mind, we’re right here not simply to cowl the competitions, however to cowl every little thing associated to the Olympics. So we’re working laborious to get all of the angles of this distinctive Video games. So as we speak, we attended a press convention in regards to the COVID-19 countermeasures. I give the officers credit score for really doing every little thing they will to manage the unfold however this virus doesn’t care. So count on to see extra circumstances. Let’s simply hope it’s not sufficient to close something down.

One other fascinating factor I seen as we speak is simply how totally different these Video games will probably be because of the pandemic. We drove by two excellent venues with enormous stands. After taking in how lovely the setting is, you then remind your self these stands will stay empty. We additionally drove by the 2020 Fan Space. It was additionally empty and stay that method. It’s too dangerous as a result of Tokyo has accomplished such a terrific job getting ready for these Video games and the individuals listed below are so type. However the pandemic has actually out a damper on the entire thing.

Tomorrow, we are going to hear extra about how COVID is affecting these Video games. And we hope to listen to from some athletes about what it’s prefer to dwell within the Olympic Village proper now. Till then, it’s time for some sleep after an extended day. Hope you’ll verify in tomorrow!