The world's oldest person pulled out of the Tokyo Olympics torch relay over fears she'd bring COVID-19 back to her nursing home
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The world's oldest person pulled out of this year's Olympic torch relay over coronavirus fears.
An official said Kane Tanaka, 118, was "concerned about spreading the virus at the nursing home."
Japan is facing a surge in coronavirus infections while preparing to host the event.
The woman who holds the title as the world's oldest person has pulled out of the Tokyo Olympics torch relay because she's afraid of bringing the coronavirus back to her nursing home.
Kane Tanaka, a 118-year-old Japanese woman, was supposed to take part in the relay next Tuesday, Reuters reported.
"We received an email from her family which said she wanted to withdraw from the relay as she and her family were concerned about spreading the virus at the nursing home," an official at the home said in a statement cited by Reuters.
The 121-day relay started in March.
Tanaka was supposed to carry the torch in her home prefecture of Fukuoka on the island of Kyushu.
The games are due to start in Japan on July 23, but Japan is facing a surge in the virus.
Japan has put Tokyo and some other areas in states of emergency until Tuesday, fanning fears over the safety of athletes and volunteers.
There are to be no international spectators at this year's games, and organizers have not yet decided whether domestic spectators will be allowed.
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