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All fans banned as Japan’s COVID emergency throws Olympics into chaos
Olympic organisers have baned all spectators from the Games
Japan declared a state of emergency for Tokyo that will run through its hosting of the event to curb a new wave of coronavirus infections, resulting in changes to the Olympic games.
Organisers and the Japanese Government formally reached the decision on the spectators during five-way talks between key parties.
The move is the latest blow to the troubled Olympics, already delayed by a year because of the pandemic and plagued by a series of setbacks, including massive budget overruns.
Medical experts have stated for weeks that having no spectators at the Games would be the least risky option to safely ensure the games go ahead, amid widespread public concern that the influx of thousands of athletes and officials will fuel a fresh wave of infections.
Foreign spectators already had been banned from the games
Organisers already banned overseas spectators and then set a cap on domestic viewers at 50% of capacity, up to 10,000 people. – This new development means no fans at all will watch the games.