Olympics preparation on track despite 1,000 COVID-19 cases in Japan

Wednesday, 4 March 2020 14:52

Japan has reiterated its plans to host the Tokyo Olympics in July despite the number of coronavirus cases topping the 1,000 mark.

"We would steadily proceed with our preparations while closely coordinating with the IOC (the International Olympic Committee) and the organising committee," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told the media on Wednesday.

It comes after IOC head Thomas Bach expressed support for the Games, urging athletes to prepare "full steam."

Of the confirmed cases, with five more reported on Wednesday, 706 are from the Diamond Princess cruise ship. The death toll touched 12, with six from the cruise liner.

More from International News

Britain pushes allies to boost Ukraine support as Zelenskyy lands in London

Britain on Friday urged fellow allies of Ukraine to reach a deal to use frozen Russian assets to strengthen its hand for any future peace talks, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in London for talks with those allies.
Erdogan says US, others must press Israel to abide by Gaza ceasefire

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said the United States and others must do more to push Israel to stop violating the Gaza ceasefire agreement, including the possible use of sanctions or halting arms sales.
EU vows financial backing for Kyiv

European Union leaders agreed on Thursday to meet Ukraine's "pressing financial needs" for the next two years but stopped short of endorsing a plan to use frozen Russian assets to fund a giant loan to Kyiv due to concerns raised by Belgium.
Tourists gawk and recoil at Trump's destruction of the White House East Wing

With many Washington tourist spots closed due to the US government shutdown, some visitors instead are checking out an unexpected and divisive new attraction in the nation's capital: President Donald Trump's surprise demolition of the White House's East Wing.