Tokyo 2020 Chief: We have not ruled out a last minute cancellation of the games

The head of the Tokyo Olympics Organising Committee 2020, Toshiro Muto has said that the committee does not rule out a last-minute cancellation of the Olympics amidst rising Coronavirus infections in Japan’s capital. Speaking to the press on Tuesday, Muto said his committee would keep an eye on the infections and hold a consultation with organizers where necessary.

Muto’s comments come barely a day after the International Olympics Committee’s President Thomas Bach said that cancellation was “never an option” adding that cancelling the event in 2020 gave organisers sleepless nights.

The Olympics were postponed for a year in 2020 for the first time in the history of the games due to rising cases of the Coronavirus.

In recent days, Japan has experienced a surge in infections which has seen the government impose a state of emergency that will last up to August 22. Already 70 people associated with the games have tested positive for the virus.

The government has been putting various measures to contain the virus during the period of the games including having the games without spectators in the stadiums.

Athletes and journalists attending the event have, also, been warned against visiting entertainment joints past 8 pm to curb the spread of the virus.

Unlike other years, this year’s Olympics may not generate much revenue owing to the reduced number of visitors from abroad which has been reduced by almost two thirds.

The Olympics officially start this Friday and will end on 8 August.