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Xtra Time Web Desk: The athletes' village for the Tokyo Olympics was officially opened on Tuesday, 10 days before the start of the largest sporting event in the world. There was no fan fare or media coverage as a renewed coronavirus surge has been reported following which a fresh state of emergency came into effect.

The athletes village is spread over 44-hectare area in Tokyo's Harumi waterfront district. Media were also not provided an opportunity to cover the opening, with organizers citing the need to take precautions against the spread of the virus.

A large number of police cars were parked outside the village as buses entered the fenced-off complex. National flags could be seen hanging from balconies of some of the 21 residential buildings the complex houses.

Hours after the village opened its doors, International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach said Tokyo is the "best-ever prepared" Olympic host city despite the difficult circumstances stemming from the coronavirus pandemic.

Olympic athletes need to limit their stays in the village to a minimum by checking in five days before they compete, in principle. They are then required to leave the site within two days after their events finish.

Daily coronavirus testing and the wearing of masks are among the strict precautions being enforced on some 18,000 athletes and officials when they stay at the village.

The village houses dining halls, a fitness center and a doping control center, will serve as the base for athletes until three days after the closing ceremony on Aug. 8. Facing the challenges of operating in a COVID-19 environment, it also has a fever clinic.