In consultation with the Japanese government and the IOC, the organizers announced on Thursday that after the ban on foreign guests, no fans living in the country would be allowed to watch the competitions at the sports facilities. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga had previously extended the emergency in Tokyo to limit the risk of another corona wave.
The state of emergency will apply from next Monday until August 22, it said. The Olympic Games will take place from July 23 to August 8, followed by the Paralympics in Tokyo. The reason for the fourth state of emergency for Tokyo are again significantly increasing numbers of corona infections.
However, the state of emergency is not a lockdown with tough curfews like in other countries. Citizens are called upon to stay at home if possible, restaurants are not allowed to serve alcohol, offer karaoke and have to close earlier than normal in the evening. You will look in vain for the big Olympic party in Tokyo.
After his arrival on Thursday, IOC President Thomas Bach affirmed that all measures taken by the Japanese would be supported – including the exclusion of all spectators. The hosting of the Summer Games is out of the question for the Germans. “I feel like an athlete in the waiting room, ready for the action,” said the President of the International Olympic Committee.
Suga described the imposition of the state of emergency as a precautionary measure. “We must take stronger steps to prevent another nationwide outbreak, also taking into account the effects of coronavirus variants,” said the politician.
The summer games will now be a pure TV spectacle. Because fan zones and public viewings are also prohibited because of the emergency.
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
