The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun
Govt mulls proof of negative test for Games’ spectators
Spectators at the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics would be asked to present a certificate of testing negative for the coronavirus before entering the venues, according to a government draft plan on COVID-19 control at the upcoming events, government sources said.
The plan would also prohibit spectators from eating and drinking at venues, with the expectation that such strict measures would prevent the spread of infections.
The central and Tokyo metropolitan governments and the Tokyo Games’ organizing committee plan to decide in June on the maximum number of spectators to be allowed at venues. The three parties will work out concrete measures based on the draft plan, which assumes that a certain number of spectators will be allowed into venues.
According to the draft, all ticket-holders will be asked to undergo a PCR or equivalent test ahead of time, and will only be allowed to enter venues after presenting at the gate a certificate of a negative result from within a week of the date of the event. Those who have been inoculated against COVID-19 can present a certificate of vaccination in lieu of proof of a negative test result.
Fees for testing will be borne
by the ticket-holder. The government estimates that up to 400,000 tests would be conducted per day, and plans to expand the testing capacity.
At the venues, the measures taken will include a health check at the gate, the constant wearing of masks, and the staggering of the exit flow. During competition, eating and drinking will be prohibited, along with loud cheering and high fives. Security guards will be stationed at venues, and means are planned for violators to be refused entrance, or asked to leave if already inside.
Spectators will be strongly urged not to stop anywhere while returning home or to their hotel. The plan also asks people to refrain from gathering as fan groups outside of Olympic venues, and calls for the cancellation or drastic reduction in the scale of public-viewing events.
According to a government source, it will mark the first time that all spectators at a large-scale sporting event will be required to show proof of negative test results. Such strict measures stem from the fact that the Olympics are expected to draw spectators from all over the country, compared with professional baseball and soccer’s J.League.
The government has already decided not to accept spectators from overseas. It will decide on the number of domestic spectators allowed — with none still a possibility — in June based on the coronavirus situation at the time. (June 1)