With Tokyo Olympics almost two weeks away, Japan declares a state of emergency to reduce the spread of COVID-19. It is a huge possibility that this time, the games will be held without any spectators in Tokyo.
Tokyo Olympics: Preparations before the big day
On the eve of the Olympics, the Japanese government imposed an emergency to curb the spread of the infection. Initially, the Olympics was scheduled for 2020. However, the increase in cases across the world, postponed it to take place from July 23, 2021, to August 8, 2021. The state of emergency is in effect from July 7 to August 22. The period covers the entire Olympics as Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga promised to have new measures in place.
Tokyo COVID-19 update
The city of Tokyo reported 920 new cases of COVID-19 on July 7, 2021. The rise in cases is due to continuous 18 open days and the peak of the fourth wave in Japan. The number of active cases will play a major role in deciding if spectators will be allowed in the stadium. However, the organizing committee might agree to ban spectators from events in Tokyo city.
Spectator ban: Decision likely by Friday
As of now, the organizers gave banned overseas spectators. In addition to this, there is a cap of 50 percent capacity in easy of the stadiums. However, with the rise in opposition against hosting Tokyo Games and the pandemic, it is important to shave strict guidelines. Researchers and experts believe that a spectator ban is the least risky option.
The Tokyo Olympics organizing committee said that the ban on spectators will depend on the number of active cases in the country.” The host city will continue to prepare for a safe Olympics even under a fresh state of emergency,” said Yuriko Koike, the governor of Tokyo. However, the country has a slow vaccination rollout and, so far only a quarter of the population is immunized.