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Tokyo Games likely to exclude overseas spectators

The government will continue to consider whether to allow domestic spectators. (AFP)
The government will continue to consider whether to allow domestic spectators. (AFP)
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04 Mar 2021 09:03:23 GMT9
04 Mar 2021 09:03:23 GMT9

Arab News Japan 

TOKYO: The Japanese government has reportedly begun preparations to host the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer without overseas spectators, media reported in Tokyo on Wednesday.

The Mainichi Shimbun reported that a source close to the government told the newspaper: “Under current circumstances, we cannot accept spectators from overseas.” Citing various sources, the paper added that a final decision will likely be made this month in cooperation with the International Olympic Committee and other parties involved.

In a December 2020 report from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Organizing Committee, the Japanese government proposed making a decision regarding spectators and visitors from overseas by spring 2021 based on the state of COVID-19 infections.

Japan believes it has a lower rate of infection of COVID-19 although hospitals in the Tokyo area are still near to capacity for patients of the disease. Officials are still considering holding the Games with domestic spectators.

The situation in Japan is complicated by the slow rollout of vaccines in the country while there are also concerns about mutations of the virus from places such as South Africa and Brazil.

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