TOKYO (Reuters)

Up to 10,000 domestic spectators will be allowed in Tokyo 2020 venues, Olympics organisers said on Monday (June 21), a decision that cuts against the recommendation of medical experts who said holding the event without fans was the least risky option.

The announcement ends months of speculation and highlights Japan’s determination to push on with the Games and salvage the multi-billion-dollar extravaganza amid public opposition and deep concern about a resurgence in infections.

The decision was widely expected after some recent comments by organisers and as the government’s own medical experts last week appeared resigned to the event going ahead with fans.

Japan has largely avoided the kind of explosive coronavirus outbreaks that have devastated other countries, but the vaccine roll-out was initially slow and the medical system pushed to the brink in some places.

The limit for the Games, scheduled to begin on July 23, “will be set at 50 per cent of venue capacity, up to a maximum of 10,000 people”, organisers said in a statement.

But the cheering – for a victory or a plucky underdog – will likely be quelled as shouting will be prohibited. Organisers also said masks would be required and spectators be requested to travel directly to venues and go straight home.

Numbers could be further reduced after July 12, depending on whether “quasi emergency” COVID-19 measures, due to expire the day before, are extended or due to any other anti-infection measures in force at the time, according to organisers.

Spectators from overseas have already been banned. The national stadium, built for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and due to host athletics and soccer this time, would have held 68,000 fans but now will be at a sliver of that.

However, TV deals, such as that with NBCUniversal for 17 nights of United States primetime coverage, will ensure the Games are beamed around the world.

Organisers are still considering whether to allow alcohol to be served in venues, Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto said. Even as experts voiced concern, Hashimoto had previously said she was eyeing allowing up to 10,000 fans.

Some of the country’s top health experts on Friday (June 18) said banning spectators would be the least risky option.

“I am concerned not just about the increase in the number of people coming to watch the Olympics itself but also about the loosening of people’s sense of urgency by hosting the Olympics with spectators,” Haruka Sakamoto, a physician and researcher at Keio University, told Reuters before the decision.

Some 65 per cent of the public want the event postponed again or cancelled, a poll by broadcaster Asahi News Network found. Nearly 70 per cent said they thought the Games would not be held safely and securely, the poll showed.

Events with spectators have already been happening in Japan. Some 7,600 fans attended a Yakult Swallows pro baseball game in Tokyo on Sunday (June 20).

“Spectators will come from various places and enter the venue, possibly leading to an influx of people and clusters, so this is a concern if that happens,” said 48-year-old IT worker Masahiro Gomi.

“However, it seems like sports such as baseball are taking place as usual so I think 10,000 spectators may be alright.”