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In a major development on Thursday, Japan government announced a new virus state of emergency in Tokyo which will last the duration of the Olympics. Meanwhile, local media reports suggest that organisers could ban fans from almost all events at the Games later this month.
It is further being learnt that alcohol will be banned at bars and restaurants during this period and they will have to close by 8 pm. Moreover, events such as concerts and conferences will also be ending by 9 pm.
"We will impose the state of emergency in Tokyo," Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga was quoted as saying by several media reports at a government meeting on Coronavirus measures.
"The period will be until August 22," he added.
Overseas spectators banned from attending the Games
As per the current rules, overseas spectators are banned from attending the Games and a cap has been set at 50 per cent of capacity or up to 10,000 people even for domestic viewers. However, given that call for emergency, the cap is further expected to be reduced or spectators disallowed from viewing the game at the venue.
Meanwhile, it is being learned that Thomas Bach, the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), will supervise a meeting before travelling to Hiroshima a week before the Olympics begin on July 23.
The IOC has stressed on the fact that Bach is fully vaccinated and will be sticking to the health and safety health guidelines that all officials and athletes are mandated to follow.