Japan is seriously considering banning all spectators from attending the Tokyo Olympic Games, multiple sources told Reuters on Wednesday, with authorities expected to declare a state of emergency in the capital city just over two weeks out from the Opening Ceremonies.
Japanese prime minister Yoshihide Suga says a decision on the restrictions will be made on Thursday after consulting with health experts, which will likely determine whether or not fans will be allowed to attend the Games.
Despite recommendations from medical experts to have no fans, Suga opted to allow up to 10,000 domestic spectators, 50 percent capacity, at the Games. Overseas spectators were banned from attending.
The potential ban on spectators hinges on the restrictions put in place for the state of emergency on Thursday, according to Tokyo 2020 officials, though one ruling party source told Reuters: “Politically speaking, having no spectators is now unavoidable.”
Coronavirus cases in Japan have continued to rise over the last few weeks, and while its not nearly as severe as has been the case in several other countries, it still has reached over 800,000 cases and 14,800 deaths.
On Wednesday, Tokyo reported 920 new cases, its highest mark since May 13.
I’ve only just now considered the heightened risk of MA having his games ruined by COVID given both his views on vaccines and unvaccinated Japan is as a whole…
Vaccines don’t stop people from getting or giving COVID-19…vaccines help you fight the serious effects of Covid to a much higher degree.
the research isn’t conclusive on that. There is preliminary data that suggests the vaccine reduces transmissability.
Odds are a positive test is going to happen to a least one athlete in the village eh…and if they are the one who brought it…AAAWKWARD.
It will be a lot more then one.
Give it to Florida. They’ll be ready by next week.
so be it. Go USA!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31g0YE61PLQ
the games must go on
Echolympics
In January, the Hakone Ekiden went off as normal, no changes. It’s a sporting event with millions of spectators lining the streets for miles and miles, 3-5 people deep in many places. All screaming loudly, no social distancing. None of those people were vaccinated and few were tested.
Japan is not safe. Trains have been crowded and uncontrolled the entire pandemic. No restrictive measures at all. Schools closed for a total of one week in April 2020. All restaurants have stayed open until 8pm. That’s it folks. Eventually america will drop below Japan in case numbers because Japan can’t be bothered with real restrictions. It’s already enough to declare “state of emergency” while then doing next… Read more »
Two wrongs don’t make a right Kichi…
Being tested is always safer than not. one wrong and one right are not equal.
Interesting mathematical comment Mr. Joji…not sure it adds up or addresses the matter though.
Negative test is safer than no test
What will be really interesting to see is any performance advantage gained by Japanese athletes.
As we’ve already seen the past couple of months here in Japan with sporting events that had non-Japanese visiting athletes, the Olympics will also be fully locked down, no freedoms, stuck in their rooms, with assigned personal minders 24/7 anytime they leave their rooms/hotels. This will be the Olympics too, as these other events were used as tests. I am not sure how much of a disadvantage that actually poses, maybe little. It wears on ones mind the longer they are stuck in a room, waiting. Saw this in social media of those that competed in Japan this past Spring.
All the visiting… Read more »
Uh huh, and the title of this article is?? Might be a clue in there for yuh..
No study says to go outside into a large crowd with no social distancing during a pandemic. You can read more about social distancing with a quick search. Keep at it, you’ll get there…
Mr. MASHITA has spoken!
They should do whatever is necessary in order to safely hold the Games. At this point the athletes and fans just want the competition to be held, and if that is inside empty arenas then so be it.
Done deal