COVID-19 concerns

Just over a week before the opening ceremony, the spreading infections highlight the risks of staging the world's biggest sports event during a pandemic even without spectators in sports venues.

Seven staff at the hotel in Hamamatsu city, southwest of Tokyo, had tested positive for the coronavirus, a city official said.

But a 31-strong Brazilian Olympic delegation, which includes judo athletes, are in a "bubble" in the hotel and separated from other guests and have not been infected.

The National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) on Thursday reminded people that recommendations such as a two-metre social distancing policy in public places and practising good hygiene are still in force.

Director-General of health, Leausa Take Naseri, said he was concerned at the public health risks posed by large groups visiting patients at the national hospital and parents bringing in their children.

At the beginning of Samoa's precautionary measures, there were restrictions on the number of people allowed to go into the hospital, he said.