Summer Olympics in Tokyo to allow spectators

In a recent announcement, the International Olympics Committee has stated that the Summer Olympics in Tokyo will include up to 10,000 Japanese spectators at each event, and the organizers will follow the required pandemic protocols for athletes from hard-hit countries. Officials said that foreign spectators wouldn't be permitted to travel to Japan to attend the Olympics.

The new guidelines released by the International Olympic Committee and Tokyo organizers said venues could be filled up to 50 percent capacity, with a maximum of 10,000 spectators at each event. "If the situation becomes very dire, we would have to hold the Games without spectators," Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto said.

Officials hope that the restrictions will build confidence among Japan's skeptical public that the Games can be held safely even though the pandemic is not brought under control. Officials did not clarify whether that sanction meant athletes could be barred from future Olympics and the sanctions would apply for which violations and said they could not detail the size of potential fines. There will be a disciplinary committee that will be charged with weighing any violations and possible punishments.