Fans 'Won't Be Allowed To Cheer' In Tokyo: The New Normal Of Olympics | Check Full Guidelines

The new rules that only allow stadiums to be filled at a 50% capacity were announced as Covid-19 protocols need to be followed. This decision goes against the advice of the medical experts of Japan.

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Tokyo: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other organising committee officials set some new rules for the Tokyo Olympics 2020. A maximum of 10,000 people will be allowed in the stadiums. There are other ground rules that are set by the IOC which also disallow fans from cheering during a game. These norms are set considering the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. 

The Newsagency Associated Press (AP) reported that these decisions were announced after a meeting between Five Decision-making Parties. These include the local organizers, the International Olympic Committee, the International Paralympic Committee, the Japanese government and the government of metropolitan Tokyo.

Tokyo has already banned fans from abroad to enter the city. Only Japanese fans would be present during the games. They will have to comply with all the social-distancing norms. The people at the stadium will have to wear a mask at all times. 

Decision Against Japan's Medical Advisor

A group of 26 medical experts headed by Dr. Shigeru Omi had (in a report) advised on Friday that holding Olympics with fans will increase the risk of the spread of Covid-19.  “We believe the risks of infections inside venues would be lowest by holding the event with no fans,” said the report. Dr Omi is a former World Health Organisation member. 

“We believe it would be most desirable not to have fans inside venues,” Omi told a press conference on Friday. “Regardless of holding the Olympics or not, Japan has continuing risks of a resurgence of the infections that puts pressure on the medical systems.”

3.6-3.7 Million Tickets Sold

The organisers also said that almost 40 lakh tickets have been already sold to local Japanese fans. This can also be a reason for having a complete ban on fans inside the stadium. 

Meanwhile, Tokyo is under a state of "quasi emergency" before the games begin. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said that further measures will be taken if the problem persists.  “If a state of emergency is necessary, I will be flexible and open to no fans in order to achieve that the games give top priority to safety and security for the people,” Suga said. ”In case of a state of emergency, it is quite possible for safe and secure (games) I will not hesitate to have no fans.”