The 2020 Tokyo Olympics won’t be delayed by the coronavirus outbreak, with the International Olympic Committee stating Tuesday the Games will begin as planned on July 24.
“The Games are going ahead on the 24th of July, and we completely expect to deliver them on that date,” IOC representative Mark Adams said.
“All the advice we’ve been given is that that can go ahead, from the WHO [World Health Organization] and other organisations.”
Japan is preparing to host the Tokyo Summer Olympics as planned, the government’s top spokesman said on Wednesday, amid speculation the Games could be postponed because of the coronavirus threat.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga made the comment at a regular news conference.
Olympic Minister Seiko Hashimoto had said on Tuesday that Tokyo’s contract with the International Olympic Committee “could be interpreted as allowing a postponement” until the end of the year.
However, she reiterated that the government remained committed to the Games starting on July 24.
The traditional flame-lighting ceremony for the games will take place in Greece next week despite fears about the spread of the virus.
