Organisers of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics have agreed to hold the Games without spectators, after Japan declared a coronavirus state of emergency for the capital that will run throughout the event, Reuters reports.

The widely expected move was made following talks between the government, Tokyo organisers and Olympic and paralympic representatives.

It was "regrettable" that the Games were going to be held in a limited format, Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto told a briefing, adding her apologies to those who had bought tickets.