TOKYO: The Japanese government plans to request all spectators at this summer’s Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics to use a health management app to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.

They will be required to report their health condition, such as their body temperature, via the app for two weeks before entering the game venues. Those who do not comply with the requirement will be denied access to the venues.

The government initially planned to require only foreign spectators to use the app. Foreigners will also be required to get a negative coronavirus test result and hold private medical insurance.

In order to limit entry to Japan for the Tokyo Games to those with tickets, the government is considering introducing a new type of visa for them. People from visa-waiver countries will also be asked to obtain the visa.

Moreover, the government is considering a proposal to require foreigners to get a negative coronavirus result twice–four days before entry and right before departure to Japan.

The government remains committed to holding the Tokyo Games this summer after postponing the event for one year amid the pandemic. But it may be forced to consider options, including holding the event behind closed doors, due the resurgence of coronavirus cases.

“We’ll show a certain direction on how to hold the event after watching the situation until the end of March,” a government official said.

JIJI Press