Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga extended the state of emergency in Tokyo and other areas till September 12.
Organisers of the Tokyo Paralympic Games that is to begin on August 24, have confirmed spectators would not be allowed at events in Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba and Shizuoka because of corona virus infection rates in those regions.
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga extended the state of emergency in Tokyo and other areas till September 12. The state of emergency has been in force since July 12 and was to end later this month. The Paralympics end on September 5.
School children will not be allowed to attend, and fans were barred from venues in the capital for the Olympics. Events in some other regions that were held, were allowed up to 50% capacity.
About 4,400 athletes are to participate, but the Paralympics have come as new infections have accelerated in Tokyo. Infections in Tokyo tripled during the 17 days of the Olympics
“We very much regret that this situation has impacted the Paralympic Games,” organisers said in a statement.
As well as stadiums, fans were also requested not to attend road events.
“We hope that you understand that these measures are unavoidable and being implemented in order to prevent the spread of infection. Everyone is encouraged to watch the Games at home,” the statement further said.
About 4,400 athletes are to participate, but the Paralympics have come as new infections have accelerated in Tokyo. Infections in Tokyo tripled during the 17 days of the Olympics.