The organisers of the Olympic Games in Japan plan to introduce stricter entry restrictions for athletes from certain countries starting next month, because of the spread of the Delta Coronavirus variant, a Japanese newspaper reported today.

The new restrictions will apply to those arriving from India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan and the Maldives. Athletes from these countries, as well as those accompanying them, will have to take Coronavirus tests daily for a week prior to arrival in Japan, as well as for three days after their arrival.

Earlier this month, the World Health Organisation (WHO) included the Delta variant in its list of Coronavirus variants of concern as the strain had become prevalent and has caused a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in some countries.