Tokyo 2020 organizers have set a four-week deadline in which to decide on a potential postponement of the Games, as the Covid-19 outbreak continues to threaten the event.
In a statement on Sunday, IOC officials said that key stakeholders, including officials in Japan, would take the next four weeks before making a definitive decison.
“The IOC will, in full coordination and partnership with the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, the Japanese authorities and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, start detailed discussions to complete its assessment of the rapid development of the worldwide health situation and its impact on the Olympic Games, including the scenario of postponement,” it read.
“The IOC is confident that it will have finalized these discussions within the next four weeks, and greatly appreciates the solidarity and partnership of the NOCs and IFs in supporting the athletes and adapting Games planning.”
Health and safety paramount as IOC Executive Board agrees to step up scenario-planning for the Olympic Games #Tokyo2020 https://t.co/jvLYoW9yfG
— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) March 22, 2020
The Tokyo Games are due to be held from July 24 to August 9, but organizers have come under increasing pressure to put the event back by a year, amid the Covid-19 pandemic which has infected more than 330,000 people worldwide and claimed over 14,000 lives.
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Source: RT