Thousands of travellers will leave the UK this weekend as school holidays begin for millions
- Councils and companies warn that ‘pingdemic’ could cause weeks of disruption to bin collection, transport and food supply in England.
- Republican governor of Alabama: ‘Time to start blaming the unvaccinated’ for rising cases of Covid-19.
- UK holidaymakers booked for France could lose money if they do not travel.
- See all our coronavirus coverage
Brady Ellison, one of the US athletes to speak out in favour of a colleague who has refused to get vaccinated, has said:
It’s one hundred percent a personal choice, and anyone that says otherwise is taking away people’s freedoms. I said if they made it mandatory that I wouldn’t come.
Getting a shot is something there hasn’t been enough testing in. I would have opted out for the Games if I had to get the vaccine as well.
I don’t feel like we’re a danger to society. I’ve been getting tested once or twice a week since April.
Another athlete in Tokyo has tested positive, Olympics organisers have said, as Olympics-related cases rose by 17.
They have come under pressure for allowing the Games to go ahead amid the pandemic. Nevertheless, two US archers have defended a colleague who was heavily criticised for not getting vaccinated, saying people are free to choose.
Related: UK holidaymakers booked for France could lose money if they do not go
