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The deputy head of Japan's Olympic committee, Kozo Tashima, has tested positive for the coronavirus, even as top government officials reiterate that the Games will go ahead as scheduled and not be held behind closed doors.
Key points:
- Mr Tashima the deputy head of Japan's Olympic committee had travelled to Britain, Netherlands and the US before testing positive
- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said they will hold a "complete" Olympics
- There is growing concern that the Olympics will not go ahead as planned
The Japan Football Association [JFA], where Mr Tashima, 62, doubles as the chairman, said he had travelled to Britain, the Netherlands and the United States from late February to early March, and was confirmed as positive for the virus on Tuesday afternoon [local time].
The test result came after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that Group of Seven leaders had agreed to support a "complete" Olympics, but dodged questions about whether any of the leaders had brought up the possibility of postponement.
There has been growing concern about whether the Olympics can proceed as planned now that the coronavirus pandemic has brought business and social activity in countries across the world to a standstill.
"I had a small fever and after I've got checked it also looks like I have symptoms of pneumonia, but I'm doing fine," Mr Tashima said through a JFA statement.
He said he would continue treatment at a local health facility.
What the experts are saying about coronavirus:
Olympics Minister Seiko Hashimoto said the games would be held on time and with spectators present, but the organisers said the torch relay, slated to begin in Fukushima on March 26, will be held without spectators.
Many other events along the torch relay route have been curtailed or cancelled and spectators have been asked to stay away and not form crowds.
Opinion polls urge postponement
Despite Mr Abe's confidence, a fresh domestic poll showed most Japanese believe the games should be postponed.
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An Asahi newspaper poll published on Tuesday showed 63 per cent of people across Japan said the games should be postponed, while 23 per cent said they should be held as planned.
A similar poll by Kyodo News published on Monday showed almost 70 per cent of respondents did not think Tokyo will be able to host the gathering as planned.
Tokyo Olympics CEO Toshio Muto said: "There is a possibility these public opinions can shift as the situation is changing ahead."
Sports competitions have come to a halt in Europe and the United States, hampering athletes' preparations.
Further stoking those concerns, the head of the French Olympic Committee said the pandemic must have reached its peak and be on the wane by the end of May for the Tokyo Olympics to be staged as scheduled.
The Olympics are due to run from July 24 to August 9.
Reuters/AP
Topics: health, diseases-and-disorders, infectious-diseases-other, olympics-summer, travel-health-and-safety, world-politics, sport, japan
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