Japan insists the fast-expanding coronavirus outbreak will not jeopardise the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the virus, which has killed 427people so far, will not impact the Games.
Abe said local Olympic officials will work closely with the IOC and the World Health Organization to ensure all safeguards for competitors and spectators.
"By coordinating our efforts with the WHO and other related agencies, we will take appropriate steps so that preparations to hold the events will steadily continue," Abe said in response to a question in parliament.
Japan’s Olympic administrators will meet this week to discuss implications of a continued outbreak during the Games.
The Olympics are still several months away.
"We will take every possible measure," said Saburo Kawabuchi, the designated mayor of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic athlete’s village.
