The Tokyo Olympics will be behind closed doors. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, no spectators will be able to attend the Games. This was reported by the Japanese media, explaining that the measure will probably also affect the three surrounding prefectures, Chiba, Kanagawa and Saitama.
The decision was in the air, especially after the announcement arrived this morning by the Japanese Prime Minister, Yoshihide Suga. The Japanese government has confirmed that it will declare a state of emergency in Tokyo due to the Covid pandemic and that the measure will remain in force for the duration of the Olympics, which will take place from 23 July to 8 August. The state of emergency will come into force on Monday and will last until 22 August.
Shortly after, the governing council composed of the president of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach, the president of the organizing committee Seiko Hashimoto and the governor Yuriko Koike, together with the minister for Sport Tamayo Marukawa, confirmed that no spectator will be able to access the facilities where they will hold the Olympic competitions to avoid a surge in infections that could put everyone's safety at risk.
Japan had long announced a ban on foreign fans, but hoped to be able to allow attendances of up to 50% of capacity with domestic viewers. Due to the growing number of infections "we had no other choice," said the head of the local organization, Seiko Hashimoto.
