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No spectators at Olympics 'least risky': experts

Japanese medical experts said on Friday (June 18) that banning spectators at the Olympics was the "least risky option" for holding the Games, due to start in just over a month.

The experts, led by top health adviser Shigeru Omi, a former World Health Organization official, added that holding the global sporting event during the COVID-19 pandemic could increase cases.

"Since the decision to hold the Olympics has already been made, I hope that it will be held in a way that the infection will not spread, that's my personal and expert view. I believe that the Organizing Committee and the government need to recognize that there are risks, and take various countermeasures."

The government and Tokyo 2020 organizers have for months held off deciding whether domestic spectators will be allowed.

Overseas fans are already banned.

The medical experts have already floated the possibility that events could have up to 10,000 fans in some areas that have lifted the so-called "quasi-emergency" measures, such as shorter restaurant hours.

Tokyo is scheduled to be under such restrictions until July 11.

Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto said she accepts it would be safer without spectators at the Games.

But she insisted that the organizers would continue to explore ways to hold the Olympics safely with people watching in person, given that other sports event have successfully done so.

The final decision on domestic spectators is expected as early as Monday.