No international spectators at Beijing Olympics 2022

Beijing in China is already gearing up for the 2022 winter Olympics games. Given the pandemic situation, the country has decided not to allow international spectators this time. The International Olympic Committee made the heartbreaking announcement this week. Only spectators from mainland China will be allowed entry. The games are set to begin from February 4, 2022. But the spectators from China will have to meet the COVID-19 requirements of which are currently under discussion.

The organisation wrote, "The IOC and [International Paralympic Committee] welcome the decision to allow for the sale of tickets to spectators residing in China's mainland. This will facilitate the growth of winter sports in China by giving those spectators a first-hand Olympic and Paralympic experience of elite winter sports, as well as bringing a favorable atmosphere to the venues".
The organisation further said that all parties feel for the athletes and the spectators. But COVID protocols are necessary to ensure safety of all.

According to the IOC, all the unvaccinated athletes will have to quarantine for 21 days upon arrival in Beijing. China has said that they will accept any vaccine that has been approved by the World Health Organization or similar international organisations. The IOC also noted that everyone inside the bubble will be tested daily. The announcement comes soon after China reported that 79 percent of its population is vaccinated.