Instead, Yoneshima has postponed his retirement and his lifelong goal to run the torch relay has been replaced by feelings of guilt as he and his colleagues battle the resurgent virus. Although Tokyo and nine other prefectures are under a state of emergency through March 7, the Olympic torch relay is set to begin on March 25, but will include anti-virus measures like smaller celebrations and social distancing. Some of Yoneshima’s staff are also sceptical about the Games, but remain supportive of him. “I honestly don’t think we can have the Olympics,” said Emi Tanaka, a nurse at Yoneshima’s hospital. But I think my torch relay can give hope to medical workers and allow us to run towards a hopeful future.”

Source: bd News24 February 15, 2021 23:26 UTC