WHO "It's Too Early to Judge the Impact of COVID-19 on the Tokyo Olympics Schedule"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed a cautious stance, stating that it is still difficult to determine whether the impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) will affect the schedule of the Tokyo Olympics. As the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Japan, including those on the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked and quarantined at Yokohama Port, has exceeded 600, there are growing concerns both inside and outside Japan about the possibility of changes or cancellation of the Tokyo Olympics schedule.

According to the Associated Press, on the 18th (local time), Michael Ryan, head of the WHO Emergency Response Team, said at a briefing held at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, that it is still too early to say whether the virus will pose a threat to the Olympics, as there is still plenty of time before the event.

Ryan added, "We do not make decisions," emphasizing, "We are not here to make such decisions," and stressed that the final judgment rests with the Olympic host country. Earlier, at a press briefing on the 14th, the WHO reiterated its position that the decision on whether to hold the Tokyo Olympics lies with the host country, and that the WHO only provides technical advice for risk assessment.

Even after the WHO declared a 'Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC),' the Japan Olympic Organizing Committee and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have maintained their stance to proceed with the Tokyo Olympics as scheduled from July 24 to August 9. However, concerns are growing as the death toll from COVID-19 in mainland China has surpassed 2,000, and cases of asymptomatic patients and suspected community transmission continue in Japan.