The Tokyo Olympics Organisation Committee has announced that there will be a 50 percent cap in every sporting venue with no amount over 10,000
Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto made the announcement this morning after a long meeting with the Olympic and Japanese organizing bodies.
This decision goes against the advice of medical professionals who think having spectators is too risky during the Covid19 pandemic.
This statement is considered a surprise after there was an increase in cases in Japan in recent months. With the billions the country spent on this event, they plan to run it as close to normal as possible.
The country has already lost a large amount of revenue from the Olympics with new spaced-out venues needed and fewer ticket sales.
It was already announced weeks ago that overseas spectators would not be allowed in sporting events.
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga told reporters:
“In the event of a state emergency was declared then we can’t rule out not having spectators.”
#Tokyo Games officials have decided to allow up to 10,000 domestic spectators at #Olympic events, provided each venue does not exceed 50 percent capacity.#Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/GD3mgyIaqQ
— NHK WORLD News (@NHKWORLD_News) June 21, 2021
Fans are required to wear masks in the stadiums and shouting is said to be strictly prohibited.
A 50 percent attendance would not be too noticeable in most of the Japanese sports arenas except for the Tokyo Olympic Stadium and Football stadium. Both events have a capacity of around 65,000. Which the new regulations less than one-sixth of the supporters will see the 100m sprint or the football finals.
It seems that social media and television will have to be a major part of this year’s Olympic experience.
The Tokyo Olympic Games will start on Friday 23rd July and run until Sunday 8th August.
