But it has had more than 810,000 cases and 14,900 deaths and the slow vaccine rollout has meant only a quarter of the population has had at least one shot. Japan has not suffered the kind of explosive COVID-19 outbreaks seen in many other countries. Tokyo's neighbouring prefectures of Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba will also not allow spectators at their Olympic events, the government said. "We absolutely must avoid Tokyo being the starting point again of another spread of the infection," he told a news conference. Suga said COVID-19 infections were on the rise in Tokyo, due in part to the Delta variant, warning that that it could hit the rest of the country. Japan's drive to hold the Olympics even as the epidemic worsened alienated much of the public and sparked concern among sponsors about a consumer backlash. "I am sorry for those who purchased tickets."
"It is regrettable that we are delivering the Games in a very limited format, facing the spread of coronavirus infections," Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto said, following talks between government officials, Tokyo organisers and Olympic and Paralympic representatives. People will also be asked not to gather for events on public roads, such as the triathlon, though officials said some venues outside the greater Tokyo metropolitan area would allow small numbers of spectators. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said it was essential to prevent Tokyo, where the highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19 variant was spreading, from becoming a flashpoint of new infections.Īlso read: Sports bodies disappointed but accept Tokyo decision to ban spectators 8, of its last vestiges of pomp and public spectacle. It all but strips the global sporting showpiece, which is due to start on July 23 and run until Aug. The move marked a sharp turnabout from as recently as last week, when some officials were still insisting they could organise the Games safely with some fans. TOKYO, July 8 (Reuters) - The Olympics will take place without spectators in host city Tokyo, organisers said on Thursday, as a resurgent coronavirus forced Japan to declare a state of emergency in the capital that will run throughout the Games.
0 kommentar(er)
