The Tokyo Metropolitan Government said Tuesday it would also take the Olympic torch relay off public roads in the second half of the 15-day leg passing through the capital due to a resurgence of coronavirus infections.
With the decision, which follows a similar one made earlier on the first half, the Tokyo relay leg, set to begin Friday, will be held without roadside spectators in almost all areas except small islands, as uncertainty grows over how the coronavirus pandemic will affect the Olympics that are set to open in roughly two weeks.
About 1,300 people will not be able to run on public roads. Instead, the games organizing committee and the metropolitan government will organize torch-lighting ceremonies for the runners to connect the flame in places such as parks.