Executives in the Tokyo Olympics banned spectators from attending the event after Japan declared a state of emergency due to coronavirus concerns.
Tokyo President Seiko Hashimoto announced the development Thursday after Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga put the country on alert over the delta COVID-19 strain. The games are set to begin July 23.
“It is regrettable that we are delivering the Games in a very limited format, facing the spread of coronavirus infections,” Hashimoto said. “I am sorry to those who purchased tickets and everyone in local areas.”
OLYMPICS TO ALLOW LIMITED SPECTATORS AT TOKYO GAMES
Moments prior to the shift in COVID-19 protocols, Suga said the state of emergency would last from Monday to Aug. 22, covering the entire duration of the games, which were initially postponed in 2020. The Paralympic events open Aug. 24 and would not be subject to the provisions.
“Taking into consideration the impact of the delta strain, and in order to prevent the resurgence of infections from spreading across the country, we need to step up virus prevention measures,” Suga said.
The prime minister hinted at a ban on spectators during his announcement.
“I have already said I won’t hesitate to have no spectators,” he said.
Organizers permitted fans at 50% capacity in June for the events, with crowd sizes not exceeding 10,000. Foreign spectators were barred from the games, and officials left open the possibility that new government restrictions could change the guidance.
“In the event that a state of emergency or other priority measures aimed at preventing infection are implemented at any time after 12 July 2021, restrictions on spectator numbers at the Games, including non-spectator competitions, will be based on the content of the state of emergency or other relevant measures in force at that time,” read a statement at the time.
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Tokyo’s state of emergency mandates the closure of bars, restaurants, and any other venues that serve alcohol, a move that could force residents to watch the Olympics at home on televisions.
Japan has accrued 812,089 virus positives since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and 14,848 people in the country have died from coronavirus-related ailments. Over 15% of the nation’s population has been fully vaccinated.
