Beijing Olympics will allow spectators, IOC says

After an unprecedented Olympics of empty stands in Tokyo this summer, spectators will return for the Winter Olympics in Beijing in February.

People from mainland China will be allowed to attend both the Winter Games and the Paralympic Winter Games, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced Wednesday.

"Tickets will be sold exclusively to spectators residing in China's mainland, who meet the requirements of the COVID-19 countermeasures," the IOC said in a release.  

It said those specific countermeasures for spectators and details of ticketing arrangements are still being determined. 

The IOC also announced restrictions for athletes, support staff and other attendees at the Games, including a "closed-loop" system that will effectively serve as a bubble, as used by other sports organizations during the pandemic.

"All athletes and Games participants who are fully vaccinated will enter the closed-loop management system upon arrival. Games participants who are not fully vaccinated will have to serve a 21-day quarantine upon arrival in Beijing," the news release said.

From Jan. 23 until the close of the Paralympics, the closed-loop scenario will be in place — covering all Games-related areas including arrival and departure, transport, accommodation, catering, competitions, and both the opening and closing ceremonies.