State of emergengy declared today for Tokyo Olympics during Games

Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Photo: Ryunosuke Kikuno

TOKYO, Japan. — In a press conference today, organizers of the Olympic Games set to start in a matter of two weeks, announced a reversal of a decision regarding spectators. Healthcare professionals declared a state of emergency due to spiking COVID cases to last until after the Games on August 22, dictating that now not even the recently granted access of Japanese spectators will be allowed. 

International spectators had previously been banned, much to the chagrin of athlete’s parents. The organizers apologized for the newly implemented restrictions knowing that their update was not bad news to the majority percentage of Japanese residents who oppose holding the Games at all during a pandemic.

These new rules pertain to the Tokyo Prefecture venues whereby geographically outlying prefecture venues are still under consideration for spectatorship.

Stevie Morrison, a sailing athlete who competed in the London 2012 Games and who is a current coach told the BBC that it’s, “really disappointing”, however, “These are special times so safety and well-being are of the utmost importance.” Morrison went on to say, “Athletes have been training at world-class levels for at least ten years so we hope it goes on for the sports. Getting on a plane tomorrow.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said in the press conference that “Almost 100% of its members will be vaccinated.”

The government is to reimposing a ban on no alcohol sales.