Some of the competitions are to be held without spectators. / Picture: (c) APA / AFP / PHILIP FONG (PHILIP FONG)
According to a Japanese newspaper report, the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics may take place without an audience. This was reported by the largest Japanese daily “Yomiuri Shimbun” on Sunday without any information from sources. On July 8, Japan's organizers want to meet with the government, the city administration as well as the International Olympic and Paralympic Committees on the still controversial question of admitting spectators.
It will probably be decided to hold some of the competitions without spectators. The same can be expected for the opening ceremony planned for July 23rd.
Tokyo is currently in a quasi-emergency until July 11, after the emergency was lifted on June 20 with stricter rules after around two months. As the “Yomiuri Shimbun” reported on Sunday, the government is considering an extension possibly by a month. A decision should be made on July 8th after consultation with experts.
Foreign fans are not allowed to enter
Japan's officials and the International Olympic Committee recently allowed up to 10,000 local spectators to all competitions. However, a maximum of only half of the seats in the arenas may be occupied. However, in view of the increasing number of infections, it is being discussed whether viewers should be locked out. Foreign fans are not allowed to enter the games.
On Saturday, 716 new infections were reported in the Olympic city within 24 hours, 182 cases more than on Saturday last week. The number of new infections in Tokyo has now been 14 days above the value on the same day of the previous week. This is fueling concern for many people who fear that the Olympics could turn into a super-spreading event. However, those responsible assert that everything will be “safe”.
