Beijing Halts Olympics Ticket Sales Over COVID Fears

Image copyright: PBS

The Facts

  • Beijing's Olympic organizers have announced that tickets will not be sold for the Winter and Paralympic Games due to COVID concerns.

  • Instead, groups of invited spectators will attend and abide by strict COVID protocols.


The Spin

Pro-China narrative

China's meticulous planning, which has been praised by the IOC, will keep the Winter Games vibrant and safe. Beijing is showing the world that large gatherings can still take place safely despite the pandemic.

Anti-China narrative

Beijing's Zero-COVID policy is unsustainable with Omicron. The only way to maintain it is to lie about transmission, or cancel the Games.


Sign up to our daily newsletter