Tokyo 2020: No spectators to be allowed for Olympics as Japan declares state of emergency

Xtra Time Web Desk: In what comes as a huge disappointment for the fans, the upcoming Tokyo Olympics will be held without spectators. The Japanese Government after a five party meeting on Thursday decided that spectators will not be allowed. A state of emergency in the country was announced in the wake of the rise of COVID-19 infections.

The International Olympic Committee and Japanese organizers announced that fans will be barred from the Tokyo Olympics as the administration look to contain the virus. The widely expected move was made following talks between the government, Tokyo organisers and Olympic and paralympic representatives.

It was “regrettable” that the Games were going to be held in a limited format, Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto told a briefing, adding her apologies to those who had bought tickets.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said it was essential to prevent Tokyo, where the highly infectious Delta COVID-19 variant was spreading, from becoming the source of another wave of infections.

The much anticipated Tokyo Games are scheduled to be held from July 23 to August 8. The showpiece event was delayed by the pandemic last year and has been hit by massive budget overruns.

Medical experts have said for weeks that having no spectators would be the least risky option, amid widespread public fears that an influx of thousands of athletes and officials will fuel a fresh wave of infections.

----------------------------------------

By: XtraTime
Title: Tokyo 2020: No spectators to be allowed for Olympics as Japan declares state of emergency
Sourced From: xtratime.in/tokyo-2020-no-spectators-to-be-allowed-for-olympics-as-japan-declares-state-of-emergency/
Published Date: Thu, 08 Jul 2021 16:30:06 +0000

Read More