Tokyo Paralympics will not allow spectators at major venues

The upcoming Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, due to start on 24th August, will go ahead without spectators due to ongoing concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic

Following a four-party remote meeting the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) and the Government of Japan - held today to discuss possible spectator numbers - it has been decided that fans will not be permitted into Games venues.

In July, it was decided that the policy on the number of spectators for the Paralympics would be decided following the closing of the Olympic Games as it was necessary to make decisions based on the infection situation.

However, with regions of Japan currently in a state of emergency due to the pandemic, it has been decided that fans will not be permitted into Games venues.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga also said that the state of emergency in Tokyo and other areas will be extended until 12th September, beyond 5th September when the Games will conclude

In a statement released today, the IPC advised “in light of the current emergency declaration issued for Tokyo, Saitama and Chiba prefectures, another declaration of the state of emergency being requested by Shizuoka prefecture and the current infection situation broadly, more stringent measures will be taken for competitions to be held in these prefectures, including having no spectators.

“With regards to road events, the organisers request the general public to refrain from coming to the roadsides to watch the competitions.”

The statement continued “with regard to the school programme, given that the Tokyo 2020 Games are very important in helping us realise a more inclusive society, safety measures will be taken in order to facilitate spectating in cases where local authorities or school administrations request this in response to the wishes of parents and others.

“We very much regret that this situation has impacted the Paralympic Games, following the Olympic Games, and we sincerely apologise to all ticket buyers who were looking forward to watching the Games at the venues.”