Three more cases of COVID-19 reported among athletes, Tokyo Olympic officials say

Tokyo Olympics organisers on Sunday reported three cases of COVID-19 infection among athletes as the population of the athlete's village swells ahead of the start of the pandemic-hit Games next week.

Organisers reported 10 new cases connected to the Olympics including media, contractors and other personnel, down from 15 reported on Saturday.

Read more: South Korea removes controversial banners from Tokyo Olympic village

An International Olympic Committee member from South Korea tested positive for the coronavirus on landing in Tokyo. Ryu Seung-min, a former Olympic athlete, is vaccinated, reflecting the infection risk even from vaccinated attendees.

Lack of athletic support: Olympians to compete without spectators

02:01 Lack of athletic support: Olympians to compete without spectators 01:23 Tokyo bans Olympic spectators due to COVID-19 state of emergency 01:13 COVID-19: Japan PM declares state emergency in Tokyo ahead of Olympics 00:55 Japan’s top health adviser says important to reduce people at Olympic venues as Tokyo 2020 approaches

Infection rates are climbing among the general population of the capital, topping 1,000 new cases for four consecutive days. Polls show many Japanese oppose holding the Games with the influx of overseas visitors it entails.

The rainy season ended in Tokyo on Friday, bringing blue skies and intense heat. The burden on participants has been increased by virus countermeasures like masking.

(Reporting by Sam Nussey; Editing by Sam Holmes)