Japan Olympics CEO says games could still be in doubt for 2021

The chief executive of the Tokyo Olympic Games on Friday said that there is no guarantee that the games will take place in 2021 after having been postponed for a year, saying there could still be concerns of a lingering coronavirus.

An emergency declaration was announced this week in Japan from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, according to The Associated Press. Active cases in the country have grown to be over 4,500, Johns Hopkins University data reported.

“I don’t think anyone would be able to say if it is going to be possible to get it under control by next July or not,” Tokyo organizing committee CEO Toshiro Muto said.” We’re certainly are not in a position to give you a clear answer.”

Last month, the start of the Olympics was postponed to July 23, 2021.

“We have made the decision to postpone the games by one year,” Muto added. “So this means that all we can do is work hard to prepare for the games. We sincerely hope that come next year mankind will manage to overcome the coronavirus crisis.”

Muto said that rather than coming up with alternative plans to having the Olympics in 2021, the country should put forth all effort to slow and stop the spread of COVID-19.

“Mankind should bring together all of its technology and wisdom to work hard so they can develop treatments, medicines, and vaccines,” he said.

He also said there is an added cost for postponing the games slated to occur this year “between $2 billion-$6 billion” but that it is too early to know the exact cost the postponement will bring.

“Tokyo 2020 has taken out several insurance policies,” Muto added. “But whether the postponement of the games qualifies as an event that is covered is not clear yet.”

Muto said the Olympic flame is in the hands of Tokyo 2020 but would not discuss the matter much further, according to the report.

There are some discussions about bringing the flame on a world tour as a symbol of hope during the battle of the virus, although nothing can be done as of now with current travel bans and restrictions.