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Can the coronavirus put out the Olympic torch? 1:21
(CNN in Spanish) - The organizers of the Olympic Games will let the clock run a little longer before making a decision on how Tokyo 2020 may be affected by the threat of the coronavirus.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has urged athletes to continue preparing for the Games in July, as originally scheduled, and assured them that no "drastic decision" will be made in the immediate future.
“It is an unprecedented situation in the entire world, and our thoughts go out to all those affected by this crisis. We stand in solidarity with all of society to do everything to contain the virus, ”the IOC said Tuesday in a statement. "The situation around the COVID-19 virus is also impacting preparations for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and it changes every day."
“The IOC remains fully committed to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, and with more than four months to go before the Games begin, it is not necessary to make drastic decisions at this stage; and any speculation at this time would be counterproductive. "
Organizers have canceled the Olympic torch relay in Greece, but this event in Japan is still scheduled for March 26, according to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
'Solidarity defines us as a community'
A working group made up of the IOC, the organizers of Tokyo 2020 and the World Health Organization (WHO), was forged in mid-February to monitor how the Games are unfolding in the face of the threat of the pandemic.
Although virtually all sporting events stipulated for the next few weeks have been suspended or postponed, there is still no decision on how the Games will be affected.
"The health and well-being of everyone involved in preparations for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics is our primary concern," said IOC President Thomas Bach. "All measures are being taken to safeguard the safety and interests of athletes, coaches and support teams."
“We are an Olympic community; we support each other in good times and difficult times. That Olympic solidarity defines us as a community ”.
The IOC added that 43% of athletes still need to qualify for the Games, and that measures are being taken to ensure that qualifying events take place, or that athlete ranking is defined by other means.
Two major competitions such as the Copa América and Euro 2020 are the most recent events to be affected by the coronavirus. Both were postponed until next year.
Furthermore, Kozo Tashima, the vice president of the Japanese Olympic Committee and president of the Japanese Football Association, was diagnosed with the virus after returning from a UEFA meeting in the Netherlands. The meeting also had a stop in the United States.
Tashima remains under treatment for the virus in Japan.
Yoko Wakatsuki contributed to this article.
IOC Coronavirus Japan Olympic Games Pandemic Tokyo 2020
