Experts Caution Against Tokyo Games' Spectators
With just over a month left before the Tokyo Olympics, Japanese officials are considering how many spectators should be allowed amid the coronavirus pandemic. Overseas spectators are banned. Health experts say holding the games without an audience in the venues is the most desirable option.
Government advisory panel chief Omi Shigeru said, "If the Olympics are to be held, we hope that the infection won't spread and medical care will not become strained. To that end, as an expert, I wrote in a proposal what the risks are and what kind of measures can be taken to deal with them."
Omi and other experts submitted their viewpoint to Tokyo Games organizers and the government on Friday.
They warn new infection cases could increase in July and August even if the vaccine rollout continues smoothly across Japan.
They also note more transmissible variants could speed up the spread of infection.
The proposal recommends stricter restrictions than currently in place if domestic spectators are allowed into event venues.
The experts say spectators should be limited to local residents to discourage the flow of people across prefectural borders.
They add the government and organizers should ban spectators if there are any signs of infections increasing.
The head of the organizing committee says the proposal will be a jumping off point for further talks.
Hashimoto Seiko said, "Based on Mr. Omi's proposal, I hope thorough discussions will be held from an expert point of view on how to ensure the safety of the Games for everyone."
Olympic and government officials plan to make the final decision on domestic spectators next week.
The organizing committee says 53,000 people, excluding athletes, will attend the Olympics and Paralympics.
That's 25,000 less than last month's estimate. 3,400 people associated with the IOC or IPC, known as the Olympic and Paralympic families, are part of the cut.