Olympics delay results of ticket lottery

Organisers of the Tokyo Olympics have postponed announcing the results of a lottery to determine which ticketholders can attend the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as some matches.

Originally set for Tuesday, the decision to postpone until Saturday comes as there is speculation that a spectator cap could be further lowered.

The Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic organising committee and four other parties last month decided to allow up to 10,000 domestic spectators or 50 percent capacity of venues, if restrictions are lifted.

The government is to decide on Thursday whether to extend or lift the measures. If the measures are extended, the government’s standards for a spectator cap would be lowered to 5,000 or 50 percent capacity.

Some unconfirmed reports have suggested that no fans is still an option and that fan limits for night sessions could be stricter than day sessions.

There are fears that the Olympics could become a super-spreader event with 11,000 Olympic athletes and 4,400 Paralympians entering from more than 200 countries. Tens of thousands of judges, sponsors, broadcasters, and media must also enter.

Officials say that more than 80% of athletes and support staff will be vaccinated.

The more critical problem is the low vaccination rate in Japan, and the probability that holding Olympics events will encourage people to visit bars, restaurants, and use public transportation.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government on Monday reported 342 new coronavirus cases. On Saturday the capital reported 716 new cases, the highest in five weeks.

The Games begin Friday July 23 on Seven.

Source: NHK