Amid the spread of new coronavirus, the organizing committee of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games is considering scaling down events involving the Olympic torch relay by restricting the number of visitors to nationwide celebrations for the ceremonial run that is scheduled to start March 26, according to sources close to the event.
The committee will inform the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and prefectural governments of the measures sometime Wednesday, at the earliest.
The central government on Feb. 26 requested massive sporting and cultural events be cancelled, postponed or scaled back. Under the current circumstances, the committee has drawn up a basic policy to prevent infection during the torch relay.
According to the sources, the committee will ask Olympic torch runners and spectators not to take part in or attend events if they are unwell, and will set out alcohol for sterilization at the venues. It will also check temperatures and health conditions of the runners and staff members.
The committee will discuss with prefectural governments and sponsor companies about nationwide events to celebrate the arrival of the torch, and consider restricting visitors to events in areas where many people are infected with the virus.
The final decision will be made at least a week before the start of the relay.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
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