TOKYO: Tokyo Olympics organizers said Wednesday they may put off an announcement on how many fans can attend the Games until May or June, as surging coronavirus infections play havoc with preparations.

Athletes are also likely to face daily virus testing, rather than once every four days as originally planned.

Organizers have already barred overseas fans from the pandemic-delayed Games, and were expected to announce an upper limit on domestic spectators sometime in April.

But Tokyo 2020 president Seiko Hashimoto said they are now only likely to “decide a direction” this month, and the decision could come as late as June — possibly just a month before the Games open on July 23.

The move would further delay ticket sales, which were put on hold when the Olympics were postponed last year.

“The Covid-19 situation is changing as we speak,” Hashimoto said after organizers had reported to an executive board meeting of the International Olympic Committee.

“There are only 93 days left to go. We would like to make a proper judgement, and we may need more time in order to be able to do that.”

“We need to carefully make a final decision about the spectators. The timing could be May or June,” added Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto.

Athletes are also likely to face a stricter testing regimen, as organizers prepare to release an updated version of their virus rulebooks “as soon as possible”, Hashimoto said.

“In principle, tests will be conducted every day, but we are still in the process of taking the decision.”

AFP