According to the organiser, the first Corona case was recorded in the Tokyo Paralympic village on Thursday, August 19, just a few days before the actual games begin on August 24.
However, the infected person is neither an athlete nor a resident of Japan but a related member of staff. Though further details were not given, the organisers had already reported more than 70 Covid cases linked to the Paralympics, mostly among contractors and Games staff who live in Japan. Although no infections have been reported among the athletes.
With Japan reporting more than 20,000 cases per day, strict anti-virus measures have been taken, which includes daily COVID-19 testing, wearing face masks and maintaining social distance for everyone living in the Paralympic village.
Around 4400 athletes from approximately 160 teams are set to take part in the Paralympics that is set to end on September 5.
Tokyo is under a fourth state of emergency, and organisers have decided not to allow any spectators during the event.
Kenya will be represented by nine athletes who will be looking to better its Rio 2016 results where the team bagged a total of 6 medals (3 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze).
They include Wilson Bii, Erick Kiptoo, Mary Waithera who’ll run the 1500m T.11, Rodgers Kiprop for the 5000m T.11, Nelly Nasimiyu and Felix Kipruto for the1500m T.13 and finally, Hellen Wawira Kariuki who will be powerlifting.
Kenya National Paralympics chief Agnes Aluoch is optimistic the team will harvest more gold this time in Tokyo.
“Kenya is known for athletics, in Rio we had a lean team and won 3 Gold medals, now that we have 9 athletes, I am confident we will come back with 9 Gold medals,” Aluoch said.