Olympic Games affected by new Delta variant? People will not be able to attend the Tokyo Olympics following the declaration of a health emergency in the country. Japan, which is hosting the Olympic Games, decided two weeks before the event to take emergency health measures. Bars will not be allowed to sell alcohol.

The Olympic Games in Tokyo will start on 23 July. In order to further prevent the number of people with Covid-19 from increasing, the Tokyo authorities have taken health measures throughout the game. This decision is being made because of the increase in people affected by the virus. According to reports, in just two weeks, daily infections have almost doubled to over 2,000 new cases on Wednesday.

According to Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, the Delta variant now accounts for about 30% of cases in the country. He later added that this figure will rise further. Therefore, Yoshihide Suga declared a state of emergency in Tokyo.

According to Yasutoshi Nishimura, the state of health emergency should set a new ceiling of 5,000 spectators or 50% of a venue's capacity, whichever is lower. Alcohol will now be banned in bars and restaurants, which will have to close at 8pm. Concerts will have to be finished by 9pm.

A closed-door meeting is likely

A closed session is highly likely, according to Japanese media. The organisers have never ruled out the possibility of the events taking place without an audience if the health situation worsens. About 11,000 athletes are expected to attend the competition.

 The government's decision would force the organisers to decide on the number of spectators. Foreign spectators have already been excluded by the organisers.

The Olympic Games have been delayed by a year but are still facing the health crisis in recent months. According to polls, Japan was overwhelmingly in favour of a further postponement or their outright cancellation. But the International Olympic Committee and local authorities have agreed to keep the event in Tokyo.

The Olympic Torch Relay will take place behind closed doors from Friday in the capital. Ceremonies will be very limited until the Olympic Games.

However, the Japanese would prefer the Games to be postponed again or cancelled altogether.

Santie

Photo Credit: Tourmag

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