The games are going to be held without spectators at venues in and around the capital.
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A state of emergency has been declared in Tokyo which will run throughout the games in order to combat Covid-19.
The Japanese Prime Minister, Yoshihide Suga, has inferred that it will run from July 12 and remain in place until August 22. This is because cases have been increasing steadily particularly as the opening ceremony draws closer.
Japanese State of Emergency:
There has been a new wave of infections since April, but overall the country has had relatively low case numbers. However, their vaccination rollout has been slow, with only 15% of the country being fully vaccinated. There is also rising concern over the threat of the Delta variant.
Entry to Japan by foreigners from 159 countries, including the UK, is currently banned.
There has been widespread opposition to the games in Japan, with calls for them to be postponed again or cancelled altogether. Over 80% of the Japanese population want it postponed or cancelled. However, they are going ahead with some changes.
The Olympics Minister has made the following decisions:
The games are going to be held without spectators at venues in and around the capital.
Venues in Tokyo and other areas near the capital city will also not be allowed to hold events with fans during the games.
Stadiums in three regions (Fukushima, Miyagi, and Shizouka) will be permitted to have spectators up to 50% of capacity and up to 10,000 people.
Bars and restaurants will not be allowed to serve alcohol and must close by 8pm.
The torch relay is now banned from the public streets.
Those who have bought tickets will have them refunded.
The public are urged stay away from the Olympic road cycling and triathlon races to reduce the spread of infections.
What about the Paralympics?
Olympics Minister, Tamayo Marukawa, said that after the Olympics finish, a decision will be made on the Paralympics. They say that a potential delay puts everyone in a very difficult position because it messes with training schedule.
What’s the reaction been?
Sports bodies and athletes are reacting with disappointment to the news. However, many are downplaying the potential impact on performances and said it was important that the global sporting showpiece went ahead.
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Standfirst
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HeadlineOlympic Games: No spectators allowed after a spike in coronavirus infections
Short HeadlineNo spectators allowed at Olympic Games
StandfirstEntry to Japan by foreigners from 159 countries, including the UK, is currently banned.
A state of emergency has been declared in Tokyo which will run throughout the games in order to combat Covid-19.
The Japanese Prime Minister, Yoshihide Suga, has inferred that it will run from July 12 and remain in place until August 22. This is because cases have been increasing steadily particularly as the opening ceremony draws closer.
Japanese State of Emergency:
There has been a new wave of infections since April, but overall the country has had relatively low case numbers. However, their vaccination rollout has been slow, with only 15% of the country being fully vaccinated. There is also rising concern over the threat of the Delta variant.
Entry to Japan by foreigners from 159 countries, including the UK, is currently banned.
There has been widespread opposition to the games in Japan, with calls for them to be postponed again or cancelled altogether. Over 80% of the Japanese population want it postponed or cancelled. However, they are going ahead with some changes.
The Olympics Minister has made the following decisions:
The games are going to be held without spectators at venues in and around the capital.
Venues in Tokyo and other areas near the capital city will also not be allowed to hold events with fans during the games.
Stadiums in three regions (Fukushima, Miyagi, and Shizouka) will be permitted to have spectators up to 50% of capacity and up to 10,000 people.
Bars and restaurants will not be allowed to serve alcohol and must close by 8pm.
The torch relay is now banned from the public streets.
Those who have bought tickets will have them refunded.
The public are urged stay away from the Olympic road cycling and triathlon races to reduce the spread of infections.
What about the Paralympics?
Olympics Minister, Tamayo Marukawa, said that after the Olympics finish, a decision will be made on the Paralympics. They say that a potential delay puts everyone in a very difficult position because it messes with training schedule.
What’s the reaction been?
Sports bodies and athletes are reacting with disappointment to the news. However, many are downplaying the potential impact on performances and said it was important that the global sporting showpiece went ahead.
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