Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Japan Shihab Alfaheem visited Tokyo Dome in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo, on Tuesday to see measures to prevent spread of the novel coronavirus during baseball games.
The ambassador experienced the process of admission using automatic ticket readers and a payment system using facial recognition at shops in the stadium. "Many people are able to watch events in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic [through these measures]. They will be the hope of the world," the ambassador said.
Tokyo Dome is taking thorough measures against the virus, such as asking spectators to clap their hands instead of shouting to show support for their favorite teams, and installing 30 large fans for ventilation, providing 50% more ventilation than before.
In order to prevent spectators from experiencing discomfort caused by prolonged mask-wearing, the stadium operator also improved air conditioning capacity to prevent increases in temperature. Before a game, about 60 staff members spend 10 to 12 hours disinfecting facilities such as spectator seats, toilets and stair handrails.
While listening to explanations by the Yomiuri Giants team staff, the ambassador said: "Ahead of this year's Tokyo Olympic Games, the efforts of Tokyo Dome send a good message. I hope [the measures] will spread to other sports and to the world."
The ambassador, accompanied by Omran Taryam, an official of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company Japan, watched a game between the Yomiuri Giants and the Chunichi Dragons. "What surprised me the most was that spectators were all silent," the ambassador said.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
