THE Olympic Games in Japan will be held without spectators at venues in and around the capital after a spike in coronavirus infections.

Olympics Minister Tamayo Marukawa made the announcement after talks with officials and organizers Thursday.

Seiko Hashimoto, president of the Tokyo Olympic organizing committee, said Friday that decision over spectator attendance of the Paralympics will be made after the Olympics end Aug. 8.

A state of emergency in Tokyo will run throughout the Games, to combat coronavirus.

Venues in Tokyo and other areas near the capital city will not be allowed to hold events with fans during the Games.

But stadiums in the regions of Fukushima, Miyagi and Shizuoka will be permitted to have spectators up to 50 percent of capacity and up to 10,000 people.

Coronavirus infections are rising in Tokyo as the July 23 opening ceremony edges closer. There has been widespread opposition to the Games in Japan, with calls for them to be postponed or canceled.

After meeting government officials, Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto said: “It is regrettable that we are delivering the Games in a very limited format. I am sorry to those who purchased tickets and everyone in local areas.”

The state of emergency was announced after a meeting between the organizing committee, the government and the International Olympic Committee president, Thomas Bach, who has just arrived in Japan.

(SD-Agencies)