Full stadiums will likely be “very tough” at the Tokyo Olympics, the head of the Games warned Wednesday, as a decision on how many domestic fans can attend was pushed back until June.
Overseas spectators have already been barred from the Games for the first time, and a ruling on Japan-based fans was expected by the end of this month.
But less than three months before the opening ceremony, parts of the country including Tokyo are under a coronavirus state of emergency and organisers said they needed more time. The opening ceremony is on July 23.
“As we look into the evolving situation with the domestic infections status involving new strains, we have agreed that a decision regarding spectator capacity at the Olympic and Paralympic venues will be made in June,” Olympic officers mentioned after top-level talks Wednesday.
And Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hashimoto mentioned it was now unlikely that followers could be filling the venues as in Olympics previous.
“We have to observe the scenario and think about accordingly. As of now, full venues could be very tough, I perceive that,” she said.
Organisers also announced new virus rules for athletes including daily testing, up from a previous plan for tests every four days, as they try to hold the giant sporting event safely.
Both athletes “and all those in close proximity with athletes will be tested daily to minimise the risk of undetected positive cases that could transmit the virus,” Olympic officers mentioned.
Other guidelines for Olympic members will embody a ban on the usage of public transport and avoiding eating places.
Olympic organisers hope that bolstering the foundations will assist construct help for the 2020 Games in Japan, the place polls present most individuals again both a cancellation or additional delay.
“We are prepared with you to take all the mandatory measures to minimise the dangers to make the Japanese individuals really feel secure,” International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach said at the start of the talks.
“Our top priority is health and safety for everyone –- not only for the participants of the Olympic Games but, first and foremost, also of our gracious hosts, the Japanese people.”
‘People are anxious’
Japan has seen a relatively small virus outbreak, with simply over 10,000 deaths, however it’s now battling what consultants name a fourth wave of the virus.
A brand new state of emergency was imposed on Tokyo and three different areas on April 25, and the federal government’s prime medical advisor warned Wednesday that discussions ought to begin quickly on how the Games may very well be held if infections stay excessive by the summer time.
“What’s crucial is the scenario of the infections and the way overwhelmed the medical system is,” Shigeru Omi told parliament in response to a question from an opposition lawmaker.
“I think it is time to discuss the Olympics,” he added, whereas stopping in need of calling for both a postponement or cancellation.
Olympic officers insist the Games can nonetheless be held safely, Hashimoto final week saying that organisers are “not excited about cancellation”.
“There are so many people who are looking forward to the Games,” she mentioned on Wednesday.
“But, alternatively, there are lots of people who’re anxious. That’s the fact, and we have to look at each side.”
Olympic chiefs took the unprecedented decision to ban overseas fans in March, in a bid to reduce virus risks.
Domestic ticket sales have not yet resumed after last year’s postponement. Organisers said around 4.48 million tickets had been sold in Japan, and nearly a million for the Paralympics.
Tickets purchased by overseas fans are being refunded, and organisers have also said that anyone who bought tickets in Japan is eligible for a refund if crowd numbers are cut.
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