There will be spectators at the Olympic Games, as five agencies, including the International Olympic Committee and the government of Japan, decided today to permit a limited number of fans in the stands up to a maximum of 10,000 people.
That means the faces the athletes see will not be photos on cardboard (as seen at the Land Rover Kentucky 5-star in April). That will add to the atmosphere as the competitions take place, and come across to add a sense of excitement for those watching on television. However, spectators will not be allowed to cheer–speaking in a loud voice or shouting is prohibited. Instead, the authorities will establish “new safe and secure ways of cheering and supporting the athletes”.
The long-awaited decision on fans has a number of caveats, however. The spectators will be Japanese–foreigners were banned months ago.
If a state of emergency or other priority measures aimed at preventing infection are implemented at any time after July 12, restrictions on spectator numbers at the Games will be based on the state of emergency or other relevant measures in force at that time. If there is a change in infection status and the capacity of the medical care system, the five agencies will meet to consider further measures. Masks should be worn in venues at all times. Congestion will be guided by announcements; and visitors will leave venues in a staggered manner. Spectators will be requested to travel directly to venues and return home directly.
The limit on the number of fans will be set at 50 per cent of venue capacity, up to that maximum of 10,000 people, although for some reason, students and supervisors in school programs will not be counted “as they are not spectators.” Huh?
The situation will be monitored in Japan and abroad, including the status of the different variants of the coronavirus, and all necessary action will be taken promptly. Depending on the Covid situation, the Japanese parties will look at either cancelling or reducing the scale of any live sites and public viewing events to minimize the movement of people and review any other Games-related events .A framework will be implemented to keep monitoring the status of infections and medical care, using expert advice. Vaccination of those involved with the Games will continue.