Beijing Olympics torch relay to be held in closed sites

Officials of Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2022 Winter Games said the torch relay would be held in closed venues, as the city is facing the severe pandemic prevention and control situation after recent outbreaks and the Lunar New Year travel rush.  

Deputy Director at Beijing Municipal Bureau of Sports Yang Haibin said the offline torch relay and ceremonies will be in controlled environments. The torch relay would last from February 2 to 4 in three competition areas in Beijing, Yanqing and Zhangjiakou, including 11 sites outside the closed loop and one inside. 

Due to pandemic prevention, only a few selected citizens would be allowed to participate in the torch relay. Others can interact through an online activity. Beijing reported its first local omicron infection on January 15 and 11 cases had been confirmed in Beijing up to 4 p.m. on Thursday.