NHK, NTV, and Fuji TV reported at noon that Prime Minister Suga held a press conference in Hiroshima today, during which he denied that the Tokyo Olympics is linked to the recent spike in the number of new cases of COVID-19 in the nation. According to Fuji TV, Suga said: “At this point I do not believe the Olympics is linked to the spread of the virus…. We are taking thorough border control measures for foreign athletes and staff and ensuring that they undergo PCR testing after entering Japan.” On the Tokyo Paralympics, which will kick off on Aug. 24, Suga reportedly declined to state clearly whether spectators will be allowed and said: “We will make a decision at the five-party talks to be held after the closing of the Olympics.” When asked about the possibility of the Lower House being dissolved for a snap election, Suga only said: “Combating COVID-19 is our top priority.”