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Japan to allow large-scale influx of fans for Tokyo Olympics

Japanese authorities look set to relax travel restrictions to allow "large-scale" visitor numbers...



Japan to allow large-scale inf...
Other Sports

Japan to allow large-scale influx of fans for Tokyo Olympics

Japanese authorities look set to relax travel restrictions to allow "large-scale" visitor numbers attend the Tokyo Olympics. 

According to reports from Japan, visitors will not require mandatory vaccination before arriving for the delayed games.

The Nikkei Business Daily reported that visitors for Tokyo 2020 would need to submit negative COVID-19 test results prior to their arrival, and download a tracking app.

Current restrictions in the country require visitors to isolate for 14-days on arrival, and to sign up to a contract tracing app.

There's no indication yet as to what "large-scale" means in terms of exact numbers. Nearly 1million tickets for Tokyo 2020 events had been sold overseas, with 4.5million in Japan itself.

The games were postponed by a year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Last month, IOC President Thomas Bach said mandatory vaccines for athletes would be a step too far, but appealed to athletes to vaccinate as a sign of respect for their hosts.

The wearing of face-masks and adhering to social distancing measures is expected to be enforced for the Games.

Athletes will also be encouraged to depart the country as soon as is possible once their involvement is at an end.

News of the relaxation on visitor requirements comes as the Japanese capital begins to show signs of Olympic life once again.

Authorities have re-installed the large Olympic rings to Tokyo Bay.

While a Friendship and Solidarity gymnastics meet, with competitors from Japan, the United States, Russia and China passed off without a hitch last month.

However, a "large-scale" arrival of tourists may not prove popular with locals.

Anti-coronavirus measures for the Olympics and Paralympics are expected to cost 100billion Yen (€791million).

An additional €1.57billion will be required to renew venue contracts, pay for labour and other associated costs.

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Coronavirus Covid-19 Olympic Games Olympics Thomas Bach Tokyo Tokyo 2020