TOKYO: The development of a coronavirus vaccine or treatment will be key to allowing the postponed Tokyo 2020 games to open in a year’s time, organizing committee president Yoshiro Mori said Wednesday. Asked whether Tokyo could hold the Games if the virus situation remained unchanged, Mori said: “If things continue as they are now, we couldn’t.”But he said that scenario was hypothetical. The Games are now set to open on July 23, 2021, but recent polls have shown less public enthusiasm for hosting the event, as virus cases show resurgence in Japan. Most of those backing a delay or cancellation said they simply didn’t believe the pandemic could be contained in time for the Games. Japan has so far reported 26,300 Covid-19 cases with 989 deaths, but Tokyo has seen an increase in cases recently and the country’s borders remain almost completely sealed to overseas visitors.

Source: Manila Times July 22, 2020 17:09 UTC