Japan ‘will host Olympics’
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says his country still intends to host the Olympic Games in Tokyo as planned.
Abe said there were no discussions about postponing or cancelling the games during talks with US President Donald Trump, who suggested that Japan should consider postponing the Olympics because of the spread of the coronavirus.
Abe said Japan was continuing to ‘‘coordinate well’’ with the International Olympic Committee, adding: ‘‘We have to overcome the spread of the infection and want to hold the Olympics and Paralympics as planned.’’
However, Abe admitted the International Olympic Committee (IOC) would have the final decision whether Tokyo 2020 goes ahead.
The Olympic Games are scheduled to take place from July 24-August 9, and the Paralympics from August 25-September 6.
Abe said the virus outbreak had not reached a point in Japan that requires him to declare a national emergency like the United States and parts of Europe.
Meanwhile, more international sporting events have been cancelled or suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Augusta National Golf Club also announced that the 2020 Masters will be postponed due to the virus outbreak.
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley said on Saturday that the Masters and the Augusta National Women’s Amateur would be held at a later date, with some predicting that could be in September.
‘‘Considering the latest information and expert analysis, we have decided at this time to postpone the Masters Tournament, the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals,’’ Ridley wrote in a statement.
‘‘The health and well-being of everyone associated with these events and the citizens of the Augusta community led us to this decision. We hope this postponement puts us in the best position to safely host the Masters Tournament and our amateur events at some later date.’’
The Edinburgh Marathon has been postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak.
The race was due to take place on May 24, but organisers have announced it will be postponed.
Race director Neil Kilgour said a new date for the marathon in the Scottish capital is expected to be announced today.
Two more Fiorentina Serie A footballers have tested positive for Covid-19 as well as a club physiotherapist.
The top-tier Italian league football team tweeted that defender and club captain German Pezzella, forward Patrick Cutrone and physiotherapist Stefano Dainelli ‘‘are in good health at their homes in Florence. They were tested after showing some symptoms.’’
The club had already announced on Saturday that 20-year-old striker Dusan Vlahovic tested positive.
With Cutrone and Pezzella added to the list with Vlahovic, there are now nine Serie A players who have tested positive. The others are Daniele Rugani, of Juventus, plus five Sampdoria players: Manolo Gabbiadini, Omar Colley, Albin Ekdal, Antonino La Gumina and Morten Thorsby.
Serie A is suspended until at least April 3 as part of a nationwide lockdown in Italy intended to contain the virus.
Most people quickly recover from the global virus after experiencing only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
‘‘We have to overcome the spread of the infection and want to hold the Olympics and Paralympics as planned.’’ International Olympic Committee