Olympics Could Be Cancelled If Coronavirus Isn’t Controlled Says IOC Member
TOKYO, JAPAN – JULY 24: The gold medal is displayed after the Tokyo 2020 medal design unveiling ceremony during Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games “One Year To Go” ceremony at Tokyo International Forum on July 24, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images)
Fears over the coronavirus could cause the cancellation of the 2020 Summer Games, says one International Olympic Committee member.
Speaking to the Associated Press, Dick Pound admits that moving out of Tokyo or postponing isn't likely and that calling it off is probably the best course of action if the outbreak isn't controlled.
Fortunately, Pound reveals, "All indications are at this stage that it will be business as usual," telling the athletes, "So keep focused on your sport and be sure that the IOC is not going to send you into a pandemic situation."
The Zika virus also had organizers preparing for a cancellation, but they decided to go forward in 2016. The only times the Olympics were called off was during the World Wars.
