Tokyo 'Priority Measures' May Be Extended 2-4 Weeks... Will the Olympics Be Held Without Spectators?

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[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] The current COVID-19 prevention measure called "Priority Measures" being implemented in Tokyo ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games is expected to be extended by about 2 to 4 weeks. If the Priority Measures are extended, it will coincide with the opening of the Olympics, increasing the likelihood that the events will be held without spectators.

The Mainichi Shimbun reported on the 30th that an extension of the Priority Measures in Tokyo and other areas by 2 to 4 weeks is being considered.

The Japanese government lifted the state of emergency in 9 out of 10 prefectures nationwide, excluding Okinawa, starting from the 21st, and decided to enforce the Priority Measures?the stage just before the state of emergency?in 7 regions including Tokyo until July 11.

According to the Mainichi Shimbun report, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said at the Liberal Democratic Party executive meeting the previous day, "The number of new infections in the metropolitan area shows a slight increasing trend," and added, "We will proactively consider necessary measures."

Additionally, Yasutoshi Nishimura, Minister in charge of Economic Revitalization who oversees Japan's COVID-19 policies, mentioned at a press conference, "If infections increase, we will suppress the spread through a state of emergency or Priority Measures," even referring to the possibility of re-declaring a state of emergency.

The number of new confirmed cases in the Tokyo area reached 476 the previous day, marking the 10th consecutive day that the number was higher compared to the same day a week earlier.

If this trend continues, the possibility of declaring a state of emergency in Tokyo also increases.

According to the criteria for declaring a state of emergency, Tokyo must have more than 500 new infections per day. The current number of new cases is just below the threshold for declaring a state of emergency.

The Mainichi Shimbun also reported that an extension of Priority Measures is being considered for three other metropolitan prefectures: Kanagawa, Chiba, and Saitama.

If the Priority Measures are extended by 2 to 4 weeks, it will overlap with the Olympic period scheduled to open on July 23, bringing the issue of spectator capacity back into focus.

On the 21st, the Japanese government held a meeting with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and others, deciding to allow domestic spectators up to 10,000 people or 50% of the venue capacity, whichever is lower. If the state of emergency or Priority Measures remain in effect after July 12, additional measures including holding events without spectators will be prepared.

In this regard, the Mainichi Shimbun reported that Prime Minister Suga wants to limit the number of spectators per venue to a maximum of 5,000 under Priority Measures, similar to professional baseball games. However, as opinions favoring holding events without spectators are spreading within the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the Cabinet Secretariat, which are responsible for COVID-19 prevention, difficulties are expected in adjusting prevention measures going forward.

The Japanese government plans to hold a COVID-19 task force meeting chaired by Prime Minister Suga on July 8 to decide whether to extend the Priority Measures in Tokyo and other areas.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.