Tokyo (dpa) - Japan is still preparing for the Olympic Games in around five months, despite concerns about the new corona virus.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confidence in Japan's handling of the Sars-CoV-2 pathogen, said Japanese government spokesman Yoshihide Suga in Tokyo. It will coordinate closely with the IOC, the organizing committee and the Tokyo city government as the host. Preparations for the games, scheduled to take place from July 24th to August 9th, will continue so that athletes and spectators can "feel safe" during the games, Suga said.
With more than 700 cases, Japan has the most infections with the new pathogen outside of China. So far, 634 of these have affected people who were on board the cruise ship "Diamond Princess", which was quarantined two days ago. Nevertheless, the fear of the virus affects more and more sporting events in Japan.
After the organizers of the traditional Tokyo marathon recently decided that only top athletes, but no amateurs, are allowed to participate this year, the same has now been decided for the women's marathon in Nagoya. The city marathon in Nagoya was also canceled entirely. In addition, the Japanese Association of Parasporters canceled a three-day bocce competition planned for February 28, in which foreigners should also compete.
Japan's health minister Katsunobu Kato called on the organizers of various events to rethink their plans. However, the government is not currently demanding a cancellation. After discussions with the World Health Organization (WHO), the IOC is convinced that the Tokyo Olympics do not have to be canceled or relocated due to the corona virus.
John Coates, chair of the IOC Coordinating Commission, said last week in the Japanese capital that "the games will be played in a way that is safe for athletes and spectators." The head of the Japanese Olympic Committee, Yoshiro Mori, had previously confirmed that planning would not be affected by the new lung disease. The games have the slogan "United by Emotion". The motto emphasizes the power of sport to bring people from different backgrounds together, according to the organizing committee.