U.S. women's gymnastics alternate tests positive for COVID-19

An alternate for the U.S. women's gymnastics team is the first American to test positive for COVID-19 since arriving in Tokyo for the Summer Olympics, ESPN reported Monday.

The alternate, who remains unidentified, is one of a four-person contingent of alternates who traveled to Tokyo along with the six-person team of Simon Biles, Jordan Chiles, Grace McCallum, Sunisa Lee, MyKayla Skinner and Jade Carey. The two groups have traveled together but have trained separately, ESPN said. 

The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee said in a statement the alternate is quarantining at a separate hotel and that their identity will be kept anonymous for their privacy.

"The health and safety of our athletes, coaches, and staff is our top priority," the statement said.

Since July 1, there have been a reported 58 Games-related positive tests in the greater Tokyo area, not including the U.S. gymnast and a Czech volleyball player who tested positive on Saturday. 

COVID cases in Tokyo have continued to rise as the countdown to the opening of the Games winds down. The capital reported 727 new cases on Monday, up from 502 new cases a week before.

Japan went into a state of emergency earlier this month due to the rise in COVID cases since people from all over the world began arriving in the country for the Games. In accordance, fans have been barred from attending the opening ceremony or events.

According to Our World In Data, only 21.6% of Japan's population of 126 million is vaccinated.