The torch relay for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games is slated to kick off in Fukushima Prefecture on Thursday, with organizers keen to make sure that social distancing measures for the coronavirus are enforced.
But with Tokyo and neighboring prefectures still seeing a relatively high number of daily new cases compared to other regions, officials are worried that there will be rising criticism against the sporting extravaganza if infections spread among torch relay runners, spectators or staff members.
Torch relays are normally conducted to increase public excitement for the Olympics. But the pandemic is forcing organizers to limit crowds and they are asking only those who live in the prefecture where the relay is taking place to clap — not cheer — as runners go by. The Tokyo Organising Committee will stream the relay live and is urging people to watch it online.