Tokyo:
The Japanese government plans to impose a virus state of emergency in Tokyo throughout the Olympics, reports stated Wednesday, which means spectators could be barred from venues.
The emergency measures — much less strict than a blanket lockdown — will be in force till August 22, a number of Japanese media outlets reported, following a rise in circumstances much less than 3 weeks ahead of the Games commence.
“The government decided to declare the fourth state of emergency for Tokyo and communicated the decision to the ruling parties,” public broadcaster NHK stated.
Kyodo News, citing a senior government official, stated it was now probably the Olympics would be held behind closed doors.
The pandemic-postponed 2020 Games will take spot beneath strict anti-infection guidelines, with overseas fans currently banned.
Organisers set a limit last month of 10,000 fans, or half of every venue’s capacity, but lately warned that a totally closed-door Games remained an solution as the virus scenario worsens.
Japan’s Covid-19 outbreak has not been as serious as in some nations, with about 14,800 deaths, but authorities say a further wave could stretch health-related services as the Games commence.
Participants have currently begun arriving in Japan, with 11,000 Olympic athletes from about 200 nations set to take aspect.
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