Possibility Tokyo Olympics postponed to prevent spread of COVID-19
Posted March 3, 2020 5:23 am.
Last Updated March 4, 2020 10:37 am.
TOKYO (NEWS 1130) — The future of the Tokyo Olympics this summer is in question with a senior member of Japan’s government pointing out their contract with the International Olympic Committee allows the games to be postponed.
The Olympics are being threatened by the spread of COVID-19 that has been blamed for 12 deaths in Japan and has shut down most schools, sports competitions and Olympic-related events in the country.
Japan’s Olympic minister Seiko Hashimoto said Tuesday the contract to hold the Tokyo Games only specifies the event has to be held during 2020.
“The IOC has the right to cancel the games only if they are not held during 2020,” Hashimoto said. “This can be interpreted to mean the games can be postponed as long as they are held during the calendar year.”
Could the Tokyo Olympics be postponed because of COVID-19 concerns? Japan’s minister responsible suggests it is possible. Listen live for the latest in @NEWS1130. pic.twitter.com/BH5Ao1srMg
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However, she said they are doing everything they can to ensure the summer games go ahead as originally scheduled on July 24, despite virus concerns.
IOC President Thomas Bach and Tokyo organizers have repeatedly said they expect the Olympics to open on schedule. Others have suggested the spreading virus could force cancellation, postponement or moving events to other cities.
The IOC issued a statement expressing “full commitment to the success of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.
“The IOC encourages all athletes to continue to prepare (for the games),” the Olympic body said, restating it would “continue to follow the advice of WHO.”
The virus that started in China has been detected in at least 70 countries, with 90,000 cases and 3,100 deaths reported. There are 29 reported cases of COVID-19 in Canada and 105 in the U.S. with six deaths.
Provincial Health Officer Doctor Bonnie Henry has said the deaths are localized in the Seattle area, suggesting an uncontrolled spread is not underway.
