02/28/2020 - 19:04
- Clarín.com
- sports
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is "absolutely determined to move forward" with the organization of the Tokyo Games despite the threat of the coronavirus
This was stated on Friday by the head of the entity, Thomas Bach, reiterating his confidence that there will be no changes to the plan originally established despite the health emergency caused by the disease
In a message reproduced by the Kyodo agency, Bach joined the ranks of the Japanese government in its battle to scare away fears that spread to the rhythm of the epidemic and that led to measures in that country.
The J-League of professional football was suspended, as were the sporting and cultural events that usually summon crowds, in this case for at least 15 days, in an attempt to prevent the bad progress, reports the ANSA agency.
Measures that also contemplate keeping primary and secondary schools closed as of Monday and that forced to postpone many qualifying competitions for the Tokyo Games in different countries.Bach said that the priority is to guarantee the normal development of these qualifying tests, as well as the health of athletes and for that "we work in coordination with the Japanese government and the World Health Organization (WHO)"
The owner of the IOC avoided referring to the sayings of Canadian Dick Pound, a member of the same, who suggested a deadline until March to decide if the Games are canceled or postponed
Thomas Bach, President of the IOC - Reuters Photo
So far, the coronavirus caused four deaths in Japan and 214 cases of infection, not counting the 700 infected people aboard the "Diamond Princess" cruise ship, docked in Yokohama Bay.
(ANSA source)