Shocking news hit the stands once again as a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases forced Japan to impose more restrictions on the Olympic Games scheduled to take place in Tokyo this year. The authorities announced that no live fans would be allowed to attend the event, a huge blow to the publicity of the Games in general.?
Prime Minister of Japan Yoshihide Suga decided to call a fourth state of emergency in Tokyo to curb the rise of cases. The new restrictions on the city will begin on July 12 and continue until August 22. Workers are also asked to stay at home during this time frame.
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Japan?s Olympics minister Tamayo Marukawa later confirmed that no spectators would be present during the Games, taking a vital aspect out of the entire experience and much to the disappointments of fans worldwide. However, these weren?t the only restrictions imposed.?
USA Women?s Triple Jump favorite Keturah Orji revealed in a tweet that apart from there being no fans, athletes were also not going to be allowed to choose roommates. They were also instructed to leave 48 hours after competing.?
No fans, no opening ceremony, no choosing roommates, NO ANYTHING & leave 48h after you compete…. 🙃
— Keturah Orji (@Keturahorji) July 8, 2021
The Olympics Opening Ceremony has also been canceled
The prestigious opening ceremony, which has become a proud part of Olympic tradition, has also been canceled amidst the spike in cases. More restrictions have also been imposed although they haven?t come to light yet.?
The Olympic Games were postponed last year due to the same reason. The initial wave forced several activities to also be canceled or postponed such as the Euros which was held this year instead. The Tokyo Olympics are now less than a month away and it seems as though things are tightening up again in terms of the pandemic.?
Read more:?Tokyo Olympics 2021: What is the Net Worth and Earnings of Michael Phelps?
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A further rise in cases may prompt the authorities concerned to postpone the event yet again. However, that may be unlikely due to the proximity of the Olympics and the competitions.?
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Not unlike most sporting events during the peak of the pandemic, fans will be forced to watch the Olympics from their homes. Albeit, a lot of the thrill will be lost due to the absence of fans. Athletes may also be disgruntled as they won?t be allowed to choose their roommates in the Olympic village. However, safety is the priority and the Japanese government is taking the necessary measures to ensure that.?