Tokyo Paralympics likely to be held with no spectators

MINSK, 16 August (BelTA) – The Paralympic Games in Tokyo will be held mostly without spectators due to coronavirus restrictions, Kyodo news agency reported citing the organizers of the Games.

The official decision of the organizing committee of the Tokyo Games will be published later. The organizers also note that a week is left before the start of the competitions, and the decision on the presence of spectators may change at the last minute. Everything will depend on the development of the situation with the coronavirus in Japan.

A state of emergency has been declared in Tokyo since 12 July due to an increase in COVID-19 cases caused by the spread of the delta variant. A record number of 5,773 daily cases were reported in Tokyo on 13 August. This was nearly three times the number of cases seen before the start of the Olympics on 23 July.

A nationwide poll conducted by Kyodo found that 64.7% of Japanese want the Paralympics to be held without spectators.

The Tokyo Paralympics will take place from 24 August to 5 September.