Olympic torch relay to be taken off Tokyo's public roads

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Some stages of the Olympic torch relay will be pulled off the public roads as part of measures against the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, according to media reports on Tuesday.

The Tokyo metropolitan government decided that the relay leg that is set to start Friday, will be held without roadside spectators in almost all areas, excluding small islands from July 9 to 16, said Tokyo-based Kyodo News.

"About 1,300 people will not be able to run on public roads. Instead, the games organizing committee and the metropolitan government will organize torch-lighting ceremonies for the runners to connect the flame in such places as parks behind closed doors," it added.

The Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics that were postponed last year because of the pandemic, will be held on July 23 - Aug. 8 and the Paralympic Games from Aug. 24 - Sept. 5.