Thailand confirms 51 fatalities as authorities battle third and deadliest outbreak; Tokyo organising committee decides against allowing alcohol sales after public outcry; New Zealand brings back restrictions in Wellington
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The organisers of the Tokyo Olympics have been forced to abandon plans to allow the sale of alcohol at venues after public outcry.
The president of the Tokyo 2020 organising committee, Seiko Hashimoto, said on Wednesday that the decision had been made to ensure the Games were “safe and secure” during the coronavirus pandemic.
Related: Tokyo Olympics organisers ban alcohol sales after public outcry
Thailand has suffered its highest one-day death toll of the pandemic so far, with 51 Covid fatalities confirmed on Wednesday, bringing the total toll to 1,744.
The country, grappling with its third and most deadly outbreak, also reported 3,174 new infections, bringing total confirmed cases to 228,539. More than 85% of new cases and deaths came after April this year.
