China said on Monday it will not sell tickets to the public for the Winter Olympics in Beijing and only invitees can view the event, citing complicated COVID-19 situation.

"Given the current grave and complicated situation of the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure the safety of all participants and spectators, it was decided that tickets should not be sold anymore but be part of an adapted program that will invite groups of spectators to be present on site during the Games," read a statement by the organizers.

"The organizers expect that these spectators will strictly abide by the COVID-19 countermeasures before, during and after each event as pre-conditions for the safe and sound delivery of the Games," it added.

"On September 30, 2021, the pandemic prevention and control policy principles for the Beijing 2022 Games were released. One of the principles was that no tickets would be sold to spectators from outside the Chinese mainland. Tickets would be sold exclusively to spectators residing on the Chinese mainland who meet the requirements of COVID-19 countermeasures," the statement said.

Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games will be held from February 4 to 20 and the Paralympic Winter Games from March 4 to 13.

(With input from Xinhua)

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