Volunteers from overseas dominated out for Tokyo Olympics

TOKYO — Volunteers from overseas won’t be allowed into Japan for the postponed Tokyo Olympics, organizers mentioned Monday.

The announcement got here two days after Tokyo organizers mentioned they’d ban worldwide followers from coming into Japan. Each measures are aimed toward stopping the unfold of COVID-19.

Organizers mentioned a restricted variety of volunteers may be allowed if they’ve particular expertise.

“I’m actually sorry, however we’ve got determined there is no such thing as a different selection however to drop the plan,” mentioned Toshiro Muto, the CEO of the organizing committee.

Organizers had deliberate to make use of about 80,000 unpaid volunteers. The Tokyo Metropolitan Authorities had lined up 30,000 extra. Most, after all, are from Japan. It’s not clear what number of can be wanted with few abroad followers in attendance.

Japan’s Kyodo information company, quoting “sources near the matter,” mentioned round 500 abroad volunteers can be given exemptions to enter Japan.

The Olympics are to open on July 23 with 11,000 athletes, adopted by the Paralympics on Aug. 24 with 4,400 extra. Athletes will function inside a bubble, a plan that requires restricted contact with outsiders.

The primary huge take a look at for the Olympics begins Thursday with the torch relay ranging from northeastern Japan. The relay will final 121 days, contain 10,000 runners, and finish on the opening ceremony in Tokyo’s new Nationwide Stadium.

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AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/olympic-games and https://twitter.com/AP—Sports activities