Covid-19: Tokyo Paralympic Games to be held behind closed doors, organizers announce – franceinfo

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As the Covid-19 epidemic flares up in Japan, the Paralympic Games will also be held without spectators.

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As with the Olympics, the Tokyo Paralympic Games will be held behind closed doors from August 24 to September 5. The organizers announced it in a press release on Monday August 16 after a meeting between the International Paralympic Committee, the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee, the Japanese government and the Tokyo authorities. Japan is experiencing a surge in Covid-19 cases with more than 20,000 new cases on Saturday August 14, according to Reuters.

In their press release, the organizers justify this new closed session: “In view of the state of health emergency currently in force in the prefectures of Tokyo, Saitama and Chiba […] and the general situation of the epidemic, more restrictive measures will be taken so that the competitions take place in these prefectures, including in camera “. They call on spectators not to attend outdoor competitions, such as cycling or the marathon: “Regarding the outdoor events, the organizers ask the public not to come and watch the competitions on the side of the road. […] Everyone is encouraged to watch the Games at home “.