The Tokyo Olympics set to start in two weeks has banned fans from watching events in person. The announcement was made Thursday by the Olympic Minister Tamayo Marukawa as regions in Japan are under a state of emergency. The decision came from the International Olympic Committee and Japanese organizers, so the games can only be viewed on TV.
Spectators from other countries were already banned months ago and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga wants to ensure all fans are cleared from venues. Suga said the state of emergency will be present on Monday and last until August 22. This means the entire Olympic opening will be under these more intense restrictions. This is because the Olympic opening is scheduled from July 23 to August 8.
It was only two weeks ago that organizers and the IOC said venues will be filled at 50 per cent capacity but crowds to never exceed 10,000. The state of emergency changed those figures to zero. The government’s main focus is to keep bars, restaurants, and karaoke parlors close. Banning locations that serve alcohol is key to keeping new infections down.
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