Castigating "irresponsible rumors", the chairman of the organizing committee of the Tokyo Olympic Games (July 24-August 9), Yoshiro Mori, once again stressed this Thursday that he did not plan to "postpone or cancel the Games ”due to the coronavirus epidemic.
Just 162 days before the opening ceremony, questions are frequently raised about a possible postponement of the Olympic Games if the virus spreads throughout Asia. "We would like to coordinate with the national government and act calmly," tempered Yoshiro Mori during a meeting with senior officials from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Japan has had no deaths
The epidemic of viral pneumonia, now known as Covid-19, has already forced the postponement of a series of sporting events in China, including Olympic qualifying competitions. The list keeps growing. On Wednesday, the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Shanghai, scheduled for mid-April, was postponed and could be canceled. Planned sporting events in Asia could also be postponed if the epidemic worsens.
At this meeting with IOC members, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike promised to implement "tough measures" to protect people from the Covid-19 in the run-up to the Olympics. Japan has had no deaths but has 28 cases on its soil, including four in serious condition in the hospital. Another 218 people, including a quarantine officer, were infected on a cruise ship sailing off the coast of Japan.