Tokyo Olympic organizers are trying to shoot down rumors that this year's 2020 Games might be cancelled or postponed because of the spread of a new virus.
Japan has so far reported no deaths from the coronavirus that has killed more than 200 people in China. Japanese organizers have hesitated to say much for several days, but on Friday they addressed the rumors. So did the International Olympic Committee, which also has said little.
The Olympics open on July 24, just under six months away.
"We have never discussed cancelling the games, Tokyo organizers said in a statement to The Associated Press. Tokyo 2020 will continue to collaborate with the IOC and relevant organizations and will review any countermeasures that may be necessary."
"It is normal practice for the IOC to collaborate with all the main UN agencies, as necessary, in the lead up to the games and this naturally includes the WHO."
Rumors have spread online with thousands of comments on Twitter under the hashtag in Japanese "Tokyo Olympic Canceled."