In response to the growing concerns around the impact of the coronavirus, there is a possibility that the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo will be cancelled, according to The Guardian. Postponing or relocating the games are not a viable option and a decision will need to be made in the next 3 months.
The games are supposed to start on 24 July 2020. Dick Pound, a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since 1978 and former Canadian swimming champion said that a decision needs to be made within the next 2-3 months.
Speaking to Associated Press, Pound said: ‘In and around that time, I’d say folks are going to have to ask: ‘Is this under sufficient control that we can be confident about going to Tokyo or not?’
He continued: ‘A lot of things have to start happening. You’ve got to start ramping up your security, your food, the Olympic Village, the hotels. The media folks will be in there, building their studios.’
He then said if the IOC decides the games cannot happen then a cancellation is imminent.
On 24 February, Japan Times reported that 12 new cases of coronavirus in the country. This brings the total number of domestic infections, including those who were on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, to 159.
The UAE has also implemented proactive measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. All flights have been suspended to and from Iran, with Tehran being an exception, according to BBC, following reported cases of the virus. Oman, Jordan, Kuwait, Iraq and Saudi Arabia have also suspended flights to Iran.
Bahrain has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Dubai and Sharjah in the UAE.
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