According to a communiqué from the organizing committee for the event, they decided to admit only a designated audience to ensure strict compliance with health protocols designed before, during and after each competition.

The measure is part of the changes Beijing is making in light of a possible increase of Covid-19 cases, amid strong outbreaks this country is facing even with the Omicron coronavirus variant.

The emergence of this Covid-19 variant adds more pressure to Beijing, as it is taking place in the final phase of preparations to host the Winter Games in February and March.

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