Tokyo Olympics bars spectators

Islam News – Olympic organizers said on Thursday that they would bar spectators from most events at the Games, which are scheduled to open in two weeks, a decision that followed a new state of emergency in Tokyo amid a sudden spike in coronavirus cases.

Officials have insisted that they could hold the Tokyo Games safely. Last month, they announced that they would allow domestic spectators at the events despite public fears that the Games could spike infections.

On Wednesday, Tokyo reported 920 new cases, the highest number since May, and organizers held an emergency meeting on Thursday to respond to the new pandemic challenges. A few events will be held in locations not affected by the new state of emergency, making it possible that some fans could go.

The announcement came only hours before the Olympic torch was set to begin the last leg of its trip through Japan. Officials decided this week that there would be almost no actual running during its two-week perambulation, instead holding a series of ceremonies that would be closed to the public.

The state of emergency announced on Thursday will start on Monday and be in effect for the duration of the Olympics, starting on July 23. It is the fourth time that Tokyo has been under a state of emergency.

Source: BBC