Japan says Tokyo 2020 Olympics will go ahead despite coronavirus fears

Japanese officials say they expect the Tokyo 2020 Olympics to go ahead as planned despite the Covid-19 epidemic. The announcement from organisers on February 26, 2020, followed remarks from Dick Pound, a member of the International Olympic Committee, who suggested the Games could be cancelled if the situation worsens.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had urged organisers of large cultural or sporting events to think about suspending activities to avoid the spread of Covid-19. But the Tokyo Organising Committee said they will take measures to ensure the Games take place as scheduled on July 24-August 9.