Tokyo Olympics in doubt as Japan struggles to contain fourth wave of Covid-19

The Tokyo Olympics could be postponed yet again if Japan fails to contain its fourth wave of coronavirus before the opening in less than 100 days.

The Japanese government is set to expand quasi-emergency measures to ten regions to bring the spread of the wave of infections under control.

"We're not thinking of cancelling the Olympics," Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto said on Friday, speaking on behalf of the organising committee.

"We will continue to do what we can to implement a thorough safety regimen that will make people feel complete safety."

A final decision is expected on Friday afternoon, reported Reuters.

Despite the government’s insistence on holding the games, health experts have said it's too risky to go ahead with the plan in summer.

According to physician referral company Ishinotomo, a survey of 1,000 Japanese doctors showed that 75% believed the Games should be delayed once again.

One of the main problems is Japan’s slow inoculation programme, which began in February using imported vaccines.

Only around 0.9% of the Japanese population had received their first jab.