Beijing residents disappointed Olympics will be closed to public

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With just over two weeks before the opening of the Beijing Winter Olympics, residents of the Chinese capital say they’re disappointed at not being able to attend events because of coronavirus restrictions that have seen parts of the city placed under lockdown. 

Organizers announced Monday that no tickets will be sold to the general public and only selected spectators will be allowed. Access to the famed National Stadium, known as the Bird’s Nest, and indoor venues in the heart of Beijing have been sealed off. 

People interviewed Wednesday appeared understanding of the restrictions. Many of them could be seen skating on Beijing's frozen lakes in a sign of continuing enthusiasm for winter sports. 

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People wearing face masks to protect from the coronavirus walk by a Beijing Winter Olympics mascot on display near the barricaded Main Press Center (MPC) in Beijing, Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022.  (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Because China allows no public protests or opinion polling and tightly restricts free speech, any opposition to the Games or the restrictions would be muted. 

Chen Lin had planned to buy tickets for speed skating, but gave up over personal concerns about the pandemic and after it became clear that tickets would only be offered to selected spectators. 

"I went to the Beijing Summer Olympic Games in 2008. It’s a pity that I won’t be able to watch the Games this time during the Winter Olympics," the 38-year-old said. "Of course, we can still watch the Games with live broadcast on TV and livestreaming online, but it doesn’t provide as strong a sense of engagement as watching the