Organizers ban international spectators from 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing

Sept. 30 (UPI) — For the second consecutive Olympic Games, organizers have barred international spectators from the Winter Olympics in Beijing in February due to concerns about spreading COVID-19. The International Olympic Committee announced on Wednesday that only spectators from mainland China will be allowed at the Games, which are scheduled to begin Feb. 4. The rule applies also to the Paralympic Games, which follow the Olympics every four years. Organizers noted that athletes, officials, broadcasters, journalists and other staff must stay in a closed bubble from Jan. 23 to March 13, a period which begins a couple weeks before…