(ANSA) - TOKYO, JUL 10 - The prefecture of Hokkaido is added to the list of places where local spectators will not be admitted during the Tokyo Olympics, in addition to the same capital and the three prefectures adjacent to the metropolis.
This was announced by the local government of the northern region of Japan, which will host some football matches, as well as the marathon in the city of Sapporo and the running competitions.
Last Thursday, the Tokyo government had decided to extend until August 22 - and therefore beyond the duration of the Games - of the 'near state of emergency' in Tokyo and in the prefectures of Chiba, Kanagawa and Saitama surrounding the capital, as well as Osaka and the Okinawa Island. The governor of Hokkaido, Naomichi Suzuki, had asked for a few days for the decision, then pronounced himself in the negative, explaining that he wanted to avoid the influx of an excessive number of people from Tokyo.
Five men's and women's soccer matches are scheduled at the Sapporo Dome stadium, while marathons and marathons are scheduled between 5 and 8 August. Also in this case the local authorities have asked the local public to avoid congregations along the route of the competitions.
To date, only the prefectures of Miyagi, Fukushima and Shizuokac will allow a limit of 10,000 spectators or 50% of the capacity of sports facilities (ANSA).