Story at a glance
- The CEO of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics was asked if the games might still be canceled due to COVID-19.
- “We have agreed that based on the coronavirus situation, we will convene five-party talks again. At this point, the coronavirus cases may rise or fall, so we will think about what we should do when the situation arises,” Muto said.
- At least 71 cases of infections linked to the games have already been reported.
The CEO of the Tokyo Olympics organizing committee is not ruling out canceling the games as COVID-19 cases rise in Japan and more athletes test positive for the virus.
During a news conference Tuesday, Toshiro Muto was asked if the games might still be canceled just days before they’re set to kick off. He told reporters he would monitor infection numbers and hold discussions with organizers if necessary.
“We will continue discussions if there is a spike in cases,” Muto said, according to Reuters.
Our country is in a historic fight against the Coronavirus. Add Changing America to your Facebook or Twitter feed to stay on top of the news.
“We have agreed that based on the coronavirus situation, we will convene five-party talks again. At this point, the coronavirus cases may rise or fall, so we will think about what we should do when the situation arises,” he added, referring to discussions that include organizers and local and government officials.
Reuters reports a spokesman for the Tokyo Olympics said organizers were “concentrating 100% on delivering successful Games.”
The 2020 Summer Games are set to start Friday after being delayed a year due to the pandemic. But as cases rise in Tokyo, officials have taken measures to limit exposure, including holding events without spectators.
At least 71 cases of infections linked to the games have already been reported. Among those is American gymnast Kara Eaker.
According to Reuters, Tokyo is experiencing a fresh surge of cases, tallying 1,387 new cases Tuesday.
READ MORE STORIES FROM CHANGING AMERICA
TOP HEALTH EXPERT SAYS DELTA VARIANT WILL SURGE IN US FOR MONTHS
NEW ONE-DOSE COVID-19 VACCINE THAT CAN BE INHALED TESTED IN ANIMALS
NEW JOHNS HOPKINS MAP SHOWS COVID-19 CASES RISING ACROSS AMERICA
WHO SAYS ‘CATASTROPHIC WAVES’ OF NEW DELTA VARIANT CASES ARE DRIVEN BY GREED
FAUCI SAYS VACCINES SHOULD BE MANDATED LOCALLY ACROSS THE COUNTRY
THE DELTA VARIANT IS SPIKING IN THESE FOUR US STATES
changing america copyright.
