Earlier this week, ahead of the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it was announced that Japan was considering removing quarantine rules for overseas Olympic spectators, provided they test negative for Covid-19.
According to Kyodo News, following a committee meeting on Thursday, the government has said it will make a final decision on whether to allow foreign spectators in for the Games by next spring. If foreign Olympic visitors are allowed in, the government has confirmed they will be exempt from the 14-day quarantine, provided they are coming from countries or regions with comparatively few coronavirus cases. Spectators will also be free to use public transport during their visit.
There will be safety guidelines drawn up for all spectators to follow. While the exact rules have yet to be set, they will potentially include mandatory face masks, thorough disinfection and refraining from shouting or speaking too loudly. Anyone who ignores the guidelines could be denied entry or removed from venues.
As reported by The Associated Press, there will also be apps to track the movements of visitors and keep tabs on the spread of infection.
Olympic athletes and staff will also be exempt from the two-week quarantine but overseas participants taking part in the torch relay will still have to undergo quarantine or whatever process is in place at the time of their arrival.
The Olympic panel also shared that Japanese host towns will be provided with anti-pandemic guidelines to help them safely welcome athletes from overseas who will be staying there. The host towns have also been asked to supply travel itineraries to help keep track of athletes’ movements during their stay.
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