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Tokyo Games organizers plan to allow spectators despite objection of experts

Tokyo, Jun 18 (EFE).- The organizing committee of the Tokyo Olympics said Friday it planned to allow spectators into stadiums despite Japanese medical experts advising against it and arguing that banning spectators was the “least risky” option amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The experts, led by Japan’s top health advisor Shigeru Omi, warned that holding the Olympics with spectators could increase Covid-19 infections and the spread of new variants.

Omi issued the warning after the organizing committee president Seiko Hashimoto said she wanted to allow up to 10,000 spectators into stadiums.

After the experts’ warning, Hashimoto said the committee was open to imposing stricter measures to spectators of the Games compared to those imposed on football and baseball fans.

These would include asking spectators to go home straight after the Games and avoid going to bars and restaurants to restrict the flow of movement during the Olympics.

Japanese authorities have allowed stadiums to hold 50% capacity and set a new cap of 10,000 people in stadiums.

Hashimoto insisted the Games would be managed under these government policies.

The decision to allow spectators into stadiums will be formalized Monday.

Organizers have already banned spectators from overseas. EFE

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