Tokyo Olympics: between Covid-19 and financial worries, Japan weighs the cost of allowing spectators in stadiums
- Up to 10,000 Japanese residents will reportedly be allowed to watch events, but experts – including some government advisers – warn this could mean more infections
- But billions of dollars are on the line if the Games do not go ahead or if fans are barred from the stands, and the public is concerned the Olympics will become a tax burden
With less than five weeks to go to the Games and worries that the event could still trigger a cluster of Covid-19 infections, Kimura has decided she will not be attending the event, although her husband, a doctor who has been vaccinated, will still go ahead with their son.
With foreign spectators banned and no hope of a tourism boost for the economy, media reports say Tokyo is aiming to allow up to 10,000 Japanese residents into stadiums for Games events, in line with the recommendations of health experts.
However, there are others, including some of the government’s own advisers, who are against this. They cite new modelling that shows increased numbers of people in the capital during the Olympics, using public transport to get to events and in other everyday interactions, will lead to 10,000 more infections over the month after the event’s July 23 opening.