Beijing 2022 Olympics: China to bring in more spectators as Covid-19 under control

China is planning to invite more spectators to attend the Winter Olympics as the Covid-19 situation is under control within the “closed-loop” bubble.

Notably, the Beijing Olympics has a limited number of spectators amid concerns over the spread of the pandemic. The Tokyo Summer Games took place without spectators due to a surge in coronavirus cases.

Before the Winter Olympics, organizers hoped for capacities of at least 30% at venues with some events, such as the opening ceremony and some outdoor sports, having larger numbers.

“In the next step, we will bring in more spectators based on demand, because the current COVID-19 situation within the ‘closed loop’ is under control,” Huang Chun, a director of the Beijing organisers’ pandemic prevention and control office, said at a press briefing on Tuesday.

The spectators will be separated from athletes and other people in the closed-loop by going in and out through specific gates and sitting in the designated area at Games venues.

They must also have taken multiple COVID-19 tests and weeks-long health checks before and after the events.

No quarantine is required after watching the events, but the spectators are not advised to go to crowded places, said Yan Jiarong, a spokeswoman for the Beijing organisers.

China had already said in September that there would be no international spectators at the Games.

The Beijing Olympics Organising Committee reported zero COVID-19 cases among new airport arrivals and six new positive cases from people already in the closed-loop on Monday, the lowest daily tally in two weeks.