Concerns held over relay

Olympics: The Tokyo Olympic organising committee said yesterday it is asking spectators for the torch relay to support by clapping, and will broadcast the event live to avoid gatherings.

The relay, which will begin on March 25 and travel through Japan, could be temporarily suspended over concerns about the coronavirus pandemic if big gatherings are spotted on streets during the event, Yukihiko Nunomura, senior executive at Tokyo 2020, told media.

‘‘By any chance, if any dense gatherings happen on streets, torch relay can be stopped as we prioritise safety and security,’’ Nunomura said.

Stricter measures such as no spectators could be possible.