Up to 10,000 spectators will be allowed into Tokyo Olympic venues

TOKYO -- Up to 10,000 spectators will be allowed into the venues of the Tokyo Olympic Games, the Tokyo Olympic organizers said here on Monday.

The long-awaited decision was announced in a statement after the five parties meeting attended by IOC, IPC, the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) and the Government of Japan.

"The spectator limit for the Olympic Games will be set at 50 percent of venue capacity, up to a maximum of 10,000 people at all venues," the statement read.

However, in the event that a state of emergency or other priority measures aimed at preventing infection is implemented at any time after July 12, 2021, restrictions on spectator numbers at the Games, including non-spectator competitions, will be based on the content of the state of emergency or other relevant measures in force at that time.

The statement added that masks should be worn in venues at all times, speaking in a loud voice or shouting will be prohibited, congestion should be avoided by means of appropriate announcements, and visitors should leave venues in a staggered manner.

"Spectators will be requested to travel directly to venues and return home directly, and to take all necessary precautions when moving between prefectures," it said.