The Japanese authorities intend to hold the Olympics as proof that mankind was able to overcome the new coronavirus.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, following a video conference with G7 leaders on Monday, secured support for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, given the situation with the spread of coronavirus. This was announced on Tuesday by the Japanese Foreign Ministry.
“Prime Minister said that he would like to hold the Olympics as proof that mankind was able to overcome the new coronavirus. He got the support of the G7”, – the agency said.
The leaders of the G7 in a joint statement after the conversation noted that they will work to restore global economic growth at least at the level before the pandemic disease caused by the new coronavirus. They also agreed to work together to slow the spread of infection, including by tightening border controls.
The leaders of the G7 countries made no statements regarding the postponement or cancellation of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, given the coronavirus situation. This was announced on Tuesday at a press conference in Tokyo by Japanese Cabinet Secretary General Yoshihide Suga.
“There were no such statements”, – he said in response to a question from journalists. – “The International Olympic Committee, the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee and the Tokyo Administration are working together to make sure that the Olympics go ahead as planned”, – Suga added.
Japanese authorities have taken a consistent position that the coronavirus will not interfere with the Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo. The idea of holding the Olympics without spectators was also strongly rejected by Japanese authorities last week. The Tokyo Summer Olympics should be held from July 24 to August 9, and the Paralympics from August 25 to September 6.