Beijing Games torch relay confined to closed venues

The relay involving 1,200 torchbearers will begin on February 2 and wind up just two days later, on February 4, when the Games open in the capital, Beijing, and neighboring Hebei province.

"This torch relay will always prioritize safety," Yang Haibin, an official from the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Sports told a briefing.

"Taking into account factors such as epidemic prevention ... the torch relay and ceremonial activities will be arranged in safe and controllable closed venues."

All of the torchbearers must be vaccinated and will be tested for the virus and have their health monitored for 14 days before the relay.