The United States supports Japan’s effort to conduct safe and secure Olympic and Paralympic Games later this summer, State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters on Thursday.

“We support Japan’s efforts to hold safe and secure Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Price said.

Japanese Minister of Olympic Affairs Tamayo Marukawa said on Thursday that the Tokyo Olympics would not allow any spectators at all venues due to the worsening COVID-19 situation.

The Tokyo Olympic Games, postponed from last year due to the pandemic, will kick off on July 23.