Tokyo Olympics: Fans Banned Due To Japan Covid Emergency

Covid-19 infections are rising in Japan. The government has now announced a state of emergency in the country to curb its spread. It has also announced that Fans will be banned from most Olympic events. The host city Tokyo will be under a virus state of emergency throughout the pandemic-postponed Games.

The announcements were made just two weeks before the opening ceremony here. The move was made following talks between the government, Tokyo organisers and Olympic and paralympic representatives. This means the Games will be the first to take place largely behind closed doors.

Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto told spectators would be barred from venues in Tokyo and three surrounding regions. These are the areas that account for the majority of Olympic events. Rules in other areas will vary, with limited spectators allowed in some regions. She added her apologies to those who had bought tickets.

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said, “I feel heartbreaking grief about this decision. But please watch the Games at home with your family in a safe and secure manner. I am very sorry for those people who will be disappointed, but in order to prevent the spread of the virus, this was the only choice available for us to take.”

Japan has not suffered an explosive COVID-19 outbreak seen in many other countries. But it has had more than 810,000 cases and 14,900 deaths. The slow vaccine rollout has raised concerns that the Delta variant could produce a new wave that might quickly overwhelm local medical resources.

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