The much anticipated Tokyo Olympics is due to be held in July, but it looks like fans from other countries may not get to attend this year.
The issue of banning foreign visitors has been discussed by the IOC for a while now, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Japan. The country had to extend its State of Emergency in Tokyo and Osaka due to this.
A report in The Japan Times says that the government is also clamping down on citizens and foreign residents returning from regions where the new COVID-19 variants have been reported. Only Japanese citizens, and foreign residents with valid residency status, are allowed to re-enter the country right now.
In the case of the thousands of athletes coming for the Olympics, there will be a host of rules and restrictions in place. They have to be tested 72 hours before they leave home then again when they arrive, and then frequently when they are in quarantine, or living closed off in a "bubble" in the Athletes' Village alongside Tokyo Bay. Athletes will have to follow a strict &ldquoactivity plan&rdquo and avoid physical greetings such as high-fives, hugs and handshakes.
The IOC has said that they will finalise guest policies in the coming weeks. The picture for July will be clearer then.