As new daily COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Tokyo, Olympic organizers and the central government are beginning to weigh their options in the event that a quasi-emergency in the capital and neighboring prefectures is extended through the start of the games — a scenario that would likely reduce the maximum number of spectators allowed from 10,000 to 5,000.
"The infection situation is very bad. If this continues, (the quasi-state of emergency) will remain from July 12," a Tokyo Organising Committee official said.
Games organizers had earlier in June decided to allow up to 10,000 spectators to enter each venue, if the number does not exceed 50% of its capacity — a decision made under the assumption that the quasi-emergency measure would end on July 11 as scheduled.