Fans from less-infected countries likely won’t quarantine

Foreign spectators at next summer’s Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics are likely to be exempt from Japan’s 14-day quarantine requirement if they are from countries or regions with relatively fewer COVID-19 cases, according to a government panel.

The panel — including officials from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the national government and Tokyo 2020 organizers — elected to decide by next spring whether to permit overseas fans to attend the Summer Games.

The event was postponed from this year as the virus began to spread across the globe, Kyodo News reported.

If approved, visitors will be allowed to use public transportation during their stay, according to the panel.

But stringent guidelines, now in the works, are likely to ban fans from talking too loudly, and require them to wear masks and disinfect thoroughly.

Athletes and staff participating in international competitions or training camps prior to the games will also be exempted from a quarantine requirement.

“Athletes, coaches and Games officials that are eligible for the Tokyo Games will be allowed to enter the country, provided significant measures are made before they get to Japan,” Tokyo 2020 Chief Executive Officer Toshiro Muto said at a news conference.

Measures for athletes will likely include coronavirus testing in the 72 hours before arriving in Japan.

But torch relay runners coming from overseas will not be exempt and must comply by whatever entry regulations the government has in place when they arrive, according to the report.

With Post wires