15 Minutes of Luxury During Quarantine

KOMPAS/AGUNG SETYAHADI

A journalist covering the Tokyo Olympics, July 23-August 9, 2021, takes a saliva sample for an anti-Covid-19 PCR test at a hotel where he is staying in the Shinjuku area, Tokyo, Japan, Monday (19/7/2021).

As soon as we entered the lobby of the hotel where journalists are staying while covering the 2020 Tokyo Olympics on Sunday (18/7/2021), our freedom was immediately snatched away. At the hotel in the Shinjuku area, journalists who have just arrived in Tokyo must undergo a three-day quarantine period.

The hotel is monitored 24 hours a day by employees and there is also the requirement to take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test every day. Shinjuku, with its iconic narrow streets, is clearly seen from the bedroom glass windows. However, sanctions in the form of the revocation of coverage accreditation and deportation for those who violate the self-quarantine regulations discourage resistance. Now is the time to limit our freedom only to the hotel room and lobby.

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When passing through the entrance to the hotel lobby, journalists are immediately greeted with large sign that reads “The First 14 Days” on the floor leading to the elevator door. The inscription marks the path that must be traversed by journalists who have not passed the 14-day period in Japan.

All journalists who just arrived in Japan will continue to be monitored for their health in the first 14 days from arrival. During this period, access is only given to the hotel and the game arenas but not public transportation. After 14 days without a positive COVID-19 test result, using public transportation is allowed.

During quarantine, a PCR test is taken daily using saliva samples.

The first stage that has to be passed to achieve that freedom is self-isolation for the first three days. During quarantine, a PCR test is taken daily using saliva samples.

Every afternoon, officers from Tokyo 2020 come to the hotel to take saliva samples. The officers are always changing and there is no fixed schedule for when they will come. The officers will come at random times so that journalists would not try to leave the hotel.

AP PHOTO/HIRO KOMAE

A Tokyo 2020 staff member stands by to help direct team members from other countries for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games as they arrive at Haneda international airport in Tokyo on Sunday, July 18, 2021.

Actually, the committee gives us 15 minutes to leave the hotel for urgent matters, such as buying food. This luxury is given due to the unavailability of food, especially at night. The restaurant at the hotel closes at 8 p.m. with the last order at 7 p.m. due to Japan\'s state of emergency, which runs until Aug. 22.

If you are late to the restaurant or the food supply in the restaurant has run out, looking for food outside the hotel is allowed but you must show the condition of your health on your OCHA application, on which a green box will appear if you are healthy and red if you are not healthy.

The health status is a data taken every morning, including a questionnaire about any symptoms related to COVID-19, body temperature, as well as statements of awareness to wear masks and maintain a physical distance.

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If the health status is green, the officer at the Tokyo 2020 Media Security desk will present a form that must be filled out with the hotel room number and the current hour and minute. When the time has begun, the target of the nearest convenience store must be reached as fast as possible by running.

You have to move quickly to pick up the things you need, including ready-to-eat food with lots of choices, such as onigiri, chicken side dishes and chicken satay, must be picked up quickly.

After returning to the hotel, it is mandatory to fill in the return time. If it exceeds 15 minutes, you could be sanctioned by the Tokyo government and the Olympic committee.

YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/POOL PHOTO VIA AP

Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike speaks on a screen while Tokyo 2020 Olympics organizing committee President Seiko Hashimoto listens to at a meeting of the IOC Coordination Commission for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Tokyo on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. IOC President Thomas Bach, Hashimoto, Japanese Olympic Minister Tamayo Marukawa and Koike attended a three-day meeting.

Complying with health protocols — ranging from self-isolation and PCR tests before leaving to quarantine in Tokyo and PCR tests every day — is not just for sake of the journalists. For the journalists who will make contact with athletes and coaches, the first responsibility is to keep themselves healthy and not to become a carrier of COVID-19.

(This article was translated by Hendarsyah Tarmizi)