Bishkek, July 1, 2021 . / Kabar / . The Tokyo Olympics could be held without spectators depending on the COVID-19 situation in Japan, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga reiterated Thursday, while the government has begun considering a reduction in the number of people allowed in stadiums amid growing concern that the games may trigger a surge in infections, Kyodo News Agency reported.
The remarks came as Suga appeared to have no choice but to extend a quasi-state of emergency covering the capital and three adjacent prefectures that is set to expire on July 11.
"I've said before there is a possibility of there being no spectators," Suga told reporters. "In any case, we will act with the safety and security of the Japanese people as our top priority."
The organizers of the Olympics decided last month to fill venues up to 50 percent of capacity with an upper limit of 10,000 people, as part of measures to ensure the safety of the games due to begin on July 23.
But Tokyo has been experiencing a surge in infections since a coronavirus state of emergency was lifted last month, fueling uncertainty over whether it is possible to stage the games with that many fans.
The Tokyo metropolitan government reported 673 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, a day after its daily figure topped 700 for the first time since May 26.
Suga said any new decision on how to handle local fans at venues will be made by consensus among the five organizers of the Olympics and Paralympics, which include the central and metropolitan governments. They already decided in March to bar overseas spectators.
The 10,000-person attendance cap is contingent on the capital and other prefectures where the Olympics will be held exiting the quasi-state of emergency before the opening of the games.
Government officials have floated the possibility of only allowing up to 5,000 spectators at Olympic venues if an extension is deemed necessary.
To prepare for such a scenario, organizers are considering delaying the planned announcement next Tuesday of fresh lottery results for venue tickets, an official with knowledge of the matter said.
Many in Japan remain worried about having fans at the Tokyo Games, with about 40 percent of respondents in a Kyodo News poll last month saying the stands should remain empty.
Infectious disease experts including Suga's top COVID-19 adviser, Shigeru Omi, have also said holding the games without spectators is the "safest option."
Suga's remarks on Thursday came in response to a question about comments made by the leader of Komeito, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's junior coalition partner, who said holding the Olympics without spectators should remain an option.
"I've said we need to be on the lookout for a rebound in infections, and that's exactly what we are seeing now," Natsuo Yamaguchi told reporters. "I hope the government will remain open to the possibility of there being no spectators and inform the public of any decisions in a timely manner."
Meanwhile, athletes and staff participating in the Olympics have begun arriving en masse in Japan and heading to training camps.
More than 100 people touched down on Thursday, according to the Cabinet Secretariat, including the German boxing and boat racing teams, the Irish boxing team and the Australian soccer squad. Around 400 are slated to arrive by Sunday.
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