In response to the rapid spread of the new coronavirus infection, Fukuoka Prefecture has decided not to implement the Tokyo Olympics holy fire relay, which will start in the prefecture from 11th this month, in seven cities and towns including Fukuoka City and Kurume City on public roads. I decided.
This was announced at a press conference on the night of the 6th by Governor Hattori, who chairs the executive committee of Fukuoka Prefecture for the Tokyo Olympics Holy Fire Relay.
The torch relay was scheduled to be held in 20 cities, towns and villages in Fukuoka prefecture for two days on the 11th and 12th of this month.
On the first day of this, Fukuoka Prefecture has decided not to implement it on public roads in Fukuoka City and Kurume City, where the number of infected people is increasing, as well as in Dazaifu City, Itoshima City, and Shime Town.
Fukuoka Prefecture has decided to carry out relays in these five cities and towns at the Heiwadai Athletics Stadium in Fukuoka City.
In addition, on the second day, the relay will be canceled in Iizuka City and Keisen Town, and the desired runners will be invited to participate in a ceremony to celebrate the arrival of the torch at the Kanmon Kaikyo Museum Event Plaza in Kitakyushu City, which is the goal point.
In addition to relaying as scheduled in other cities, towns and villages, the ceremony held at Heiwadai Athletics Stadium in Fukuoka City at the end of the first day will not include spectators, and at the end of the second day, the Kanmon Kaikyo Museum in Kitakyushu City will be held. The ceremony to be held at the event plaza will be held with a smaller number of spectators than planned.
Governor Hattori said, "I'm really sorry that we couldn't do it as planned. I would like all the runners to keep in mind the thoughts of the citizens of the prefecture and connect the torch and the fire of hope."