Paralympics Follow Lead Of Olympics: No Fans During Pandemic
Aug 16, 2021, 9:46 AM | Updated: 9:47 am
A man takes selfies with a countdown clock for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic games on August 16, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Japan’s government is expected to announce an extension to the current coronavirus state of emergency which will see it continue through to mid-September. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)
(Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)
TOKYO (AP) — All fans will be barred from the Paralympics because of the coronavirus pandemic just as they were from the recently-completed Tokyo Olympics.
The Paralympics open on Aug. 24 with about 4,400 athletes. That is a far smaller event than the Olympics with 11,000 athletes.
But the Paralympics come as new infections accelerate in Tokyo that may expose a population that is more vulnerable to COVID-19.
New infections in Tokyo tripled during the 17 days of the Olympics. Medical experts say the surge was not directly linked the Tokyo Games but they suggested an indirect effect.
Oh, there you are. ❤️💙💚
The #Agitos inside the Paralympic Village.#Paralympics #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/zLAm7joKLs
— Paralympic Games (@Paralympics) August 16, 2021
