Olympics rule out foreign spectators
Foreigners out as spectator of both Olympics & Paralympics due to the pandemic
- Published by David Knox
- on
- Filed under Coronavirus, News, Olympics, Top Stories
It’s official.
Tokyo Olympic Games and Paralympics have now confirmed no foreign spectators will be allowed at the games this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Organisers will refund all tickets sold overseas, including at least 600,000 for the Olympic Games.
“Based on the present situation of the pandemic, it is highly unlikely that entry into Japan will be guaranteed this summer for people from overseas,” organisers said in a statement.
“In order to give clarity to ticket holders living overseas and to enable them to adjust their travel plans at this stage, the parties on the Japanese side have come to the conclusion that they will not be able to enter into Japan at the time of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“This conclusion will further contribute to ensure safe and secure games for all participants and the Japanese public.”
A State of Emergency covering more than 30 million people in the capital and surrounding prefectures is due to be lifted at midnight on Sunday, despite concerns from health experts that infections are not falling fast enough.
The Olympics, which were delayed last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, are now scheduled to run from July 23 to August 8, and the Paralympics from August 24 to September 5.
They will screen in Australia on Seven. It’s not clear if broadcasters will find cause to complain about a Games with only host nation crowds.
Source: ABC
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- Tagged with Olympics, Paralympics
9 Responses
I just cannot see this event going ahead this year. While a handful of first world countries will have completed their vaccination, virtually all developing nations will not and the absolute worst thing those countries could do is for people to travel, mix with people from across the globe, and then return to their home countries. Why they are not delaying this event until next year when all vaccinations are complete is beyond me. This is a recipe for disaster.
I picturing Channel 7 camera crews inside the parent houses of Olympians as they watch their child go for gold in a final.
Can’t see the Olympics going ahead at all.
They have spent too much money, they have no choice, now or never. If major European soccer leagues and American sporting leagues which run for months can continue through covid surely a 2 week event like the Olympics can.
The last paragraph is very interesting ,will 7 and others say they were expecting a full crowd and more atmosphere to heighten the viewing experience ,we shall wait and see.
At least there will be crowds and not empty seats so that’s a bonus regardless.
Surely if you had both of the vaccinations you should be allowed to enter otherwise countries can shut down overseas visitors and no one can travel?
I believe the virus can still be transmitted even after the two shots or one , depends where you are ,I’d say another year for overseas travel and our government should not be rushing to open.
The vaccines will not stop you getting covid, they just lessen the symptoms.
There is also the problem of how to verify someone has had the vaccine. There has yet to be a successful roll out of some form of vaccine passport. It is highly unlikely to be ready by the Olympics.