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The upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics will have very limited fans on hand to witness the Games. On Monday, organizers announced that only "selected" spectators will be allowed in person for the Games. No fans from other countries will be allowed at the event.

The reasoning behind the new rules is the prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

"In order to ensure the safety of all participants and spectators, it has been decided that tickets should not be sold anymore but be part of an adapted programme that will invite groups of spectators to be present on site during the Games," the announcement read. "The organisers expect that these spectators will strictly abide by the COVID-19 countermeasures before, during and after each event so as to help create an absolutely safe environment for the athletes ... the original plan of offering tickets to the general public has been altered toward spectators from selected groups."

Fans who wish to attend will have to meet China's COVID-19 "countermeasures," the Olympic website says. The Olympics Committee is aiming to "create a pleasant environment for the holding of the Games" and their protocols are put in place in hopes to create such an environment.

With the latest announcement, there will be more health and safety protocols at the Beijing Olympics than there were at the Tokyo Olympics over the summer in 2021.

The Olympic Winter Games will take place from February 4-20. The Paralympic Winter Games are from March 4-13.