Agency :
Japan will allow professional athletes and coaches, including those with soccer and baseball teams, into the country if they undergo strict anti-coronavirus measures, the Kyodo news agency reported on Thursday, citing a source familiar with the matter.
Japan has temporarily suspended exemptions allowing foreign athletes into the country as it closed its borders to contain a surge in Covid-19 cases.
The Kyodo report said roughly 100 athletes and coaches have been unable to enter Japan with the J-League soccer season starting last month and the Nippon Professional Baseball season set to commence next week.
It added that athletes and coaches will be given a “special circumstances” immigration exemption and must follow strict protocols and get tested regularly to train during their subsequent 14-day quarantine period.
