Tokyo put under state of emergency for Olympics

On Jul 8, 2021

The Olympic Games in Japan are to be held without spectators due to rising cases of coronavirus. Japan has declared a state of emergency in Tokyo which will run throughout the Olympic Games, to combat Coronavirus.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga told reporters it would run from July 12 and remain in place until August 22.

Coronavirus infections are rising in Tokyo as the July 23 opening ceremony edges closer.

There has been widespread opposition to the Games in Japan, with calls for them to be postponed or cancelled.

“Taking into consideration the effect of Coronavirus variants and not to let the infections spread again to the rest of the nation, we need to strengthen our countermeasures,” the Prime Minister said yesterday.

“Given the situation, we will issue a state of emergency for Tokyo.”

Organisers are reportedly also considering barring fans from almost all Olympic events.

The announcement was made after a meeting between the organising committee, the government and the International Olympic Committee President, Thomas Bach, who has just arrived in Japan. (BBC)