Organizers of the Tokyo Olympics confirm that foreign fans are banned from attending this summer’s Games

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NEWS: Overseas fans are not at the Olympics: Tokyo 2020 chiefs confirm they will not allow spectators to travel to Japan, as ticket holders receive refunds for fear of spreading new variants

  • Overseas fans will not be able to attend the Tokyo Olympics this summer
  • Olympic and Paralympic tickets purchased by residents abroad will be refunded
  • Move is an unprecedented decision that will further reduce the Olympics
  • When the decision was made to postpone the Games last year, officials said the delay would allow them to hold the event as proof of the “triumph over the virus.”
  • But instead, the Games are being set up to be an event based primarily on television

By David Coverdale for Mailonline

Posted: | Updated:

The GB team athletes will not have the support of their own fans and families at this summer’s Olympics after foreign spectators were banned from attending the Tokyo Games.

The long-awaited decision to ban foreign supporters was finally taken by organizers on Saturday, as it was highly unlikely that visitors could secure entry to Japan amid the current “very difficult” situation of the Covid-19.

International Olympic Committee chairman Thomas Bach said he was “truly sorry” but that the “first principle is security”.

The delayed Tokyo Olympics will continue this summer, but without foreign spectators

The delayed Tokyo Olympics will continue this summer, but without foreign spectators

Olympic and Paralympic tickets purchased by residents abroad will be refunded

Olympic and Paralympic tickets purchased by residents abroad will be refunded

It was understood that around one million tickets had been sold to spectators outside of Japan, and some 3,000 are expected to travel from Britain.

They will now be offered a refund for what is a major financial success for the organizing committee, which was expecting £ 577 million in revenue from the overall ticket sale.

Organizers remain confident that national spectators will be able to attend the Olympic and Paralympic Games, but no decision will be made on how many will be allowed to enter each venue until next month.

Japan’s Covid vaccination program has started slowly over the past four weeks

Japan’s Covid vaccination program has started slowly over the past four weeks

Olympic Minister Tamayo Marukawa said Saturday's decisions would be key to easing anxiety about the Games inside and outside Japan.

Olympic Minister Tamayo Marukawa said decisions made on Saturday would be key to “relieving anxiety about the Games inside and outside Japan

SLOW VACCINE ROLLOUT FROM JAPAN

Japan’s coronavirus vaccination program has been hampered by a lack of supply and a shortage of specialized syringes needed to inject the population.

As of March 5, just under 46,500 doses had been administered to front-line medical workers since last Friday.

At the current rate, it would take 126 years to vaccinate the Japanese population of 126 million. However, supplies are expected to increase in the coming months.

Unlike many other countries, Japan requires clinical trials to make new drugs, including vaccines, with Japanese patients, which slow down the approval process.

So far, only the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech has been approved. Clinical trials on AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines have been conducted in Japan and vaccines are now awaiting regulatory approval.

In accordance with The Japan Times, inoculation for senior residents with vaccination tickets is expected to begin on April 12th.

The country will receive 100 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine between May and June, while the Modern vaccine is also expected to be accepted at this time.

A Tokyo 2020 statement said: “Currently, the situation of Covid-19 in Japan and many other countries in the world remains very difficult and various varieties have emerged, while international travel remains strictly restricted worldwide.

“Based on the current state of the pandemic, it is highly unlikely that entry into Japan will be guaranteed this summer for overseas people.

“In order to give clarity to ticket holders living abroad and allow them to adjust their travel plans at this stage, the Japanese side have come to the conclusion that they will not be able to enter Japan at the time of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“This conclusion will further contribute to ensuring safe play for all participants and the Japanese public.”

International Olympic Committee Chairman Bach added: “We share the disappointment of all the enthusiastic Olympic fans around the world and, of course, the families and friends of the athletes who planned to come to the Games.

“That’s why I’m really sorry. We know this is a great sacrifice for everyone. We’ve said from the beginning of this pandemic that it will require sacrifices.

‘But we have also said that the first principle is safety. All decisions must first respect the principle of security. I know our Japanese partners and friends did not come to the conclusion lightly. “

A spokesman for the British Olympic Association said: “This is very sad news, not only for British fans, but especially for the family and friends of the athletes. Although it is a very disappointing situation, it does underline. the determination of the organizers to organize a safe Olympic Games.

We are now awaiting detailed clarifications from the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee on several points, including details of the restrictions, process and return schedule for international ticket holders, and we will be in touch with fans to keep them updated. We will communicate quickly and clearly when information is available. “

There is still hope that Japanese residents will be able to attend this summer’s Games

There is still hope that Japanese residents will be able to attend this summer’s Games

The Olympic rings are located in front of Japan's Olympic headquarters and the new national stadium

The Olympic rings are located in front of Japan’s Olympic headquarters and the new national stadium

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