Hashimoto Hints At Reviewing Games Spectator Cap
The head of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic organizing committee has hinted that a cap on spectator numbers at the upcoming games may be reviewed depending on coronavirus restrictions.
Hashimoto Seiko told reporters on Friday that her committee will hold talks with four other parties, in line with criteria set by Japan's government. The four are the central and Tokyo metropolitan governments and the International Olympic and Paralympic committees.
The five parties last month decided to allow up to 10,000 domestic spectators or 50 percent capacity at Olympic venues, if focused virus restrictions in Tokyo are lifted. The government is to decide whether to lift or extend the measures, which are in effect until July 11.
If the measures are extended, the spectator cap must be lowered to 5,000 or 50 percent capacity, in accordance with the antivirus measures.
The number of coronavirus cases in Tokyo has been increasing since the five parties raised the cap.
Hashimoto suggested holding five-party talks on spectator limits as early as next week.
The governors of Chiba and Saitama prefectures, both adjacent to Tokyo, are calling on the organizers to ban spectators at competitions held after 9 p.m.
Hashimoto said the committee must listen to the leaders of prefectures where venues are located. She said the organizers do not want spectators to join at all costs, because the public won't support holding the games with spectators unless safety is guaranteed.