The torch lighting that marks the opening of the Olympics will be done without public spectators amid fears of the coronavirus.
Greece’s Olympic Committee announced the decision on Monday ahead of the ceremony that will take place at the ancient Olympia site Thursday. The statement, according to CBS Sports, read, “100 accredited gusts from the International Olympic Committee and the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee” will be allowed at the event. It also noted that the number of media members present would be “extremely limited.”
The dress rehearsal for the ceremony, which will take place on Wednesday will also be closed to the public.
After Thursday’s ceremony, the torch will go on a weeklong journey until it leads to a March 19 handover ceremony in Greece. It will then be flown to Japan, where the games will take place.
This is not the only sporting event to face alterations because of the coronavirus. On Monday, the NBA, NHL, MLB, and Major League Soccer announced they would be restricting nonessential personnel from access to locker rooms and clubhouses.
Additionally, California’s Santa Clara County banned all gatherings of at least 1,000 people, which result in the San Jose Sharks being unable to host home games.
The coronavirus has infected more than 100,000 globally and has led to more than 3,400 deaths.
