The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak prompted concern from Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on February 26, 2020. He called for either discarding or curtailing major sports and cultural events for the next 2 weeks. The measures should be considered to curb spread of infection due to large public gatherings, Abe said. Concerns have been growing over the Tokyo Summer Olympics, due from July 24. International Olympic Committee (IOC) ex-VP Dick Pound has expressed doubts over the Games but officials denied them. A Japan govt spokesperson said IOC and local organisers were moving as planned. Olympics Minister Seiko Hashimoto has assured of preparation even for worst-case scenarios. Japan has already report 2 casualties to COVID-19.
