Coronavirus: 2020 Tokyo Olympics Could Face Cancellation

One of the most anticipated sporting events in the world is facing a possible cancellation due to the coronavirus outbreak. Per Associated Press News, a senior member of the International Olympic Committee Dick Pound said that there are so many factors in play as the date draws nearer.

The outbreak adds another dimension to the work that has to be done in Tokyo. Whether it’s the coordination of the Olympic village, food, security and all the other concerns in the presence of a viral outbreak, “you’re probably looking at a cancellation,” shared Pound if the games won’t push through in Tokyo. He added that postponement is not as easy as the scale and magnitude of the Olympics entail so many factors to consider. These range from the difference in seasons and countries to various television and broadcast concerns.

Pound estimates a two to three month period to decide on what will happen to the games in Tokyo. But as the world waits for an update, Pound emphasized that athletes should still remain focused on the games. “As far as we all know, you’re going to be in Tokyo,” Pound said. “All indications are at this stage that it will be business as usual. So keep focused on your sport and be sure that the IOC is not going to send you into a pandemic situation.”

The last time the Olympic games were canceled was during the time of the war. The 1940 and 1944 Olympics were called off due to World War II.

Per the World Health Organization’s (WHO) latest update, the coronavirus has already infected over 80,000 people across the world.

Per the WHO, there are various ways of catching the virus. People can catch the virus from other people who have been infected. It can spread from person to person when an infected person coughs or exhales. These small droplets can land on objects or surfaces. Either one breathes in the droplets from other people or they might end up touching these surfaces and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth.