With restrictions on fans, Tokyo Olympics could end up being a TV-only event

Japan’s latest state of emergency could mean even domestic fans will only be able to be part of the Tokyo Olympics 2020 from the comfort and safety of their homes.

The new state of emergency comes after an exponential rise in COVID-19 cases in Tokyo and other surrounding areas recently.

Although international fans have already been barred from visiting Tokyo for the Games, a sizable number of local fans were expected to cheer for athletes. However, the new policy is likely to keep stadiums empty.

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The opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics is also expected to be a VIP-only event.

📌Surging #COVID19 cases in Tokyo have hit a two-month high that almost guarantees Japan will declare a new state of emergency for duration of the Tokyo Olympics, which opens on July 23. A new state of emergency could lead to a ban even on local fans.https://t.co/hZOeXgAEWI

— Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) July 7, 2021

Tokyo Olympics 2020 could be held under a state of emergency

Virus policy czar Yasutoshi Nishimura recently told an advisory panel that the government wanted to declare an emergency in Tokyo until August 22.

The decision comes after virus cases in Tokyo jumped to 920 on Wednesday — the highest since May 13. Daily infections have been on the rise since the city ended its third state of emergency on June 20. Only about 15% of Japan’s population is fully vaccinated.

Tokyo 2020 organisers warn of no-fan Olympics as COVID cases rise, leaving ticket-holders in limbo just three weeks before the opening ceremony https://t.co/Zln8DzEn9y pic.twitter.com/JQ17KaXFbq

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) July 2, 2021

Five-party meet to take decision on spectators

The decision to restrict fans for the Tokyo Olympics means empty stadiums will be the norm in all major disciplines. The likes of PV Sindhu and Neeraj Chopra have emphasized how they’ll miss cheering fans, adding that it is in the best interest of all involved.

The final decision on whether to allow domestic fans will be made at a five-party meeting, which includes the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the organizing committee and the Japanese government. According to local media reports, the talks may happen as early as Thursday.

If fans are allowed in truncated numbers, a sizable Indian population in Tokyo could be cheering for the Indian contingent.

Read: Two COVID-19 cases reported from inside the athletes' village ahead of the Tokyo Olympics

Olympic torch rally will be off Tokyo streets

Meanwhile, Japan’s Kyodo news agency has reported that the government will take the Olympic torch relay off the streets for all legs in the capital.

The exception will, however, be for events on small islands off the Tokyo mainland.

The relay has repeatedly been rescheduled, rerouted, and sequestered in public parks away from the public since it began in March from north-eastern Japan.