No fans at Tokyo opening ceremony: report

Spectators are reportedly set to be banned from the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony, with only a reduced number of VIPs to be allowed to attend

With less than three weeks to go until the opening ceremony on July 23, case numbers are rising in Tokyo, leading to concerns of a 5th wave.

Japan’s capital has been recording an average of 585.6 daily infections over the past week.

The country’s government will decide this week whether to extent a quasi-state of emergency for Tokyo, which’s due to expire on July 11.

According to local media reports, it’s likely to be extended.

This will require Games’ organisers to rethink attendance limits.

Last month organisers agreed to allow venues to be filled to 50% of capacity, up to 10,000 people.

But officials have recently warned that events may have to be held behind closed doors.

Five-way talks involving Tokyo Olympics organisers and government officials will take place on Thursday.

According to the Asahi Shimbun newspaper, fans are likely to be banned from the opening ceremony on July 23. But a reduced number of VIPs and Olympic officials will be able to attend.

The newspaper also reports that events at large venues, and ones that take place at night, will be held without spectators.

This is yet to be confirmed, but there are clearly growing concerns over rising virus cases in Tokyo.