As COVID-19 cases continue to surge in Tokyo, games officials have said about 40% of the sessions during the Olympics may be held without spectators as the government is finding it increasingly difficult to stick with their plans to cap attendance at 10,000 people.
The most likely option now on the table is to allow up to 5,000 domestic fans at each venue of the Olympics, due to begin July 23. The estimate of 40% is based on the assumption that all events with over 5,000 ticket holders and those taking place after 9 p.m. will be held behind closed doors, according to the officials.
Such events include the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as baseball, soccer and track and field. There are a total of 750 sessions and more than 300 of them will be staged without spectators if the revised cap is applied, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity.