The Beijing Winter Olympics, which were scheduled to be closed without spectators, are expected to change their policy and allow up to 50% of spectators to enter.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) Chief Olympic Director Christopher Duby announced the transition plan at a press conference held in Beijing, China on the 1st. Director Doobi said, “It is still uncertain because it has to be finely adjusted for each stadium, but it will be entered at a rate of 1 in 3 or 1 in 2 people.” It makes sense,” he said.
Last year’s Tokyo Olympics were held without spectators. China has also decided not to sell tickets to the Beijing Olympics due to the coronavirus.
However, as the policy is changed this time, the spectator position is expected to take place. It is expected that not only Chinese but also foreigners residing in China will be able to watch the game. “We’ve been pushing hard, and we’re using foreign communities and embassies to make sure we’re identifying people who live in Beijing and can watch the Olympics,” Duby said.
However, it is still unclear how to prevent the spread of COVID-19. China is currently using a ‘closed loop’ policy that strictly separates the general public and Olympic participants. It is a situation in which contact with outsiders is thoroughly blocked through quarantine vehicles and obstacles around the accommodation.
However, when local Chinese enter the stadium, the closed loop is bound to break. As the epicenter of the spread of COVID-19, it is important for China to set an example for quarantine through the Olympics, which might lead to the Olympics failing in quarantine.
Reporter Ryu Jae-min, Beijing phoem@seoul.co.kr