Tokyo Olympics: Six Team GB athletes self-isolating after sharing flight with confirmed Covid case
ITV News reporter Sangita Lal runs through Sunday's developments
Six athletes from the Team GB squad taking part in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games are self-isolating after sharing a flight with someone who has since tested positive for Covid.
In a statement, the British Olympic Association (BOA) confirmed the athletes were now all quarantining in their rooms - as well as two staff members from the athletics team.
All of those affected were onboard the same flight to Tokyo on Thursday - none of the athletes involved have been named.
The group all tested negative at the airport and have continued to test negative since arriving in Japan, the BOA said.
Team GB’s Chef de Mission, Mark England, said: "This is disappointing news for the athletes and staff, but we absolutely respect the protocols in place. We will offer them every support during this period and we are hopeful that they will be able resume training again soon."
All of those impacted are are under the supervision of the Team GB medical team, the BOA said.
Coronavirus: What you need to know
It comes as US tennis-playing favourite Coco Gauff announced she would be pulling out of the Olympics after testing positive for the virus.
The 17-year-old confirmed on social media that she would not be able to represent the USA in the Tokyo games.
The world number 25 would have been among the biggest draws in an Olympics that has already been hit by high-profile withdrawals in both men’s and women’s tennis.
Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Stan Wawrinka, Serena Williams and Simona Halep have all previously withdrawn from the Tokyo games.
“I am so disappointed to share the news that I have tested positive for COVID and won’t be able to play in the Olympic Games in Tokyo,” Gauff posted on Twitter.
“It has always been a dream of mine to represent the USA at the Olympics, and I hope there will be many more chances for me to make this come true in the future."
Also on Sunday, two athletes, from the South Africa football team, tested positive for the virus while in the Tokyo Olympic Village - the first sportspeople to do so.
Organisers say since the beginning of July, 55 people linked to the Olympics have reported positive tests.
That figures includes athletes or others who may have arrived for training camps but are not yet under the “jurisdiction” of the organising committee.
Tokyo recorded 1,410 new Covid-19 cases on Saturday, the highest in six months. It was the 28 straight day that cases were higher than seven days previous.
The Olympics will open on Friday under a state of emergency in Tokyo and three neighboring prefectures. The emergency order lasts until August 22. The Olympics close on August 8.
Fans — local and fans from abroad — have been banned for all Olympic events in Tokyo and the three neighboring prefectures. As few outlying venues may allow a smattering of local fans.