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2 OCT 1988: THE OLYMPIC FLAME CONTINUES TO BURN DURING THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE 1988 SUMMER OLYMPICS HELD IN SEOUL IN SOUTH KOREA.
Imago
2 OCT 1988: THE OLYMPIC FLAME CONTINUES TO BURN DURING THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE 1988 SUMMER OLYMPICS HELD IN SEOUL IN SOUTH KOREA.
After much deliberation, the organizers of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and the International Olympic Committee have agreed to allow a live audience at the events.
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“In light of the government’s restrictions on public events, the spectator limit for the Olympic Games will be set at 50 percent of venue capacity, up to a maximum of 10,000 people in all venues,” the organisers announced.
A multi-round joint deliberation between all the parties involved in convening and managing the event came through with the decision.
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The parties involved were the Tokyo 2020 organizers, the International Olympic and Paralympic Committee, officials of the Japanese Government, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
As the pandemic surged in Japan, the country had imposed a quasi-state of emergency in Tokyo and some other parts of Japan in late April. These restrictions were relaxed on June 17th to introduce a smooth transition in organizing the Olympics.
In the government’s plan of holding a “safe and secure” Olympics, only locals can enjoy the action live in stadiums. Also, foreign spectators cannot travel to attend the events.
About 3.6 to 3.7 million tickets would be in the hands of these residents only, organizers have said.
Tokyo 2021 Olympics could be a remote viewing event only if the pandemic re-surges in Japan
Even though the pandemic has relented in the island nation, avoiding its resurgence would still be one of the major prerogatives of the authorities involved.
“A framework will be implemented to keep monitoring the status of infections and medical care using expert advice,” the statement added.
Yuriko Koike, the Governor of Tokyo, says that the decision can be reversed if the pandemic breaks out.
“If there should be a major dramatic change in the infection situation, we may need to revisit this matter amongst ourselves and we may need to consider the option of having no spectators in the venues,” the Governor says.
Even though the Tokyo 2021 would begin with the fans, many restrictions will still be in place in the city of Tokyo. Bars and restaurants would operate in a limited capacity and alcohol sales would also be restricted.
Furthermore, the fans would also have to attend the events under strict rules. Rules will include no cheering, masks, and going straight back home after events.
This is extremely crucial to prevent an upsurge in the pandemic, says Ryuji Wakita, who heads the COVID-19 advisory board of the Japanese government.
“To prevent another upsurge, it is crucial to prevent the people from roaming around during the Olympics and summer vacation,” Wakita said.
Even though the authorities are trying to keep a check on the spread of the virus in Tokyo 2021, a worldwide congregation of athletes could lead to an outbreak. If the vaccinations hold up, chances are that Japan passing through the test. Hence, the Olympic games could be a game-changer for the pandemic either way.
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