Tokyo 2020: Olympic Committee deputy diagnosed with coronavirus
Japan Olympic Committee deputy chief Kozo Tashima on Tuesday confirmed that he was tested positive for COVID-19 (novel coronavirus). Tashima revealed that he was traveling since February 28 for several business trips. While the staff at Japan Football Association has been advised to work home as a precautionary measure, Tashima reiterated that he attended a number of meetings in the association building last week.
I was tested positive after having a few symptoms: Tashima
"Today, my test result showed positive for the new coronavirus. I have a mild fever. Examinations showed a symptom of pneumonia, but I'm fine. I will concentrate on treatment following doctors' advice," Tashima said in a statement, issued by the Japan Football Association.
Tashima was travelling in the first week of March
Tashima first headed to Belfast for attending the annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board. He then visited Amsterdam to give a presentation on the 2023 Women's World Cup, followed by another visit in USA. After his return, he experienced a mild fever. He also asserted that he saw Swiss and Serbian football chiefs, who had tested positive for coronavirus.
Officials are leaving no stone unturned to conduct the Games
While the Japanese officials pushing hard to go ahead with Olympics as planned, the International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach stated that he will have to follow the WHO guidelines. The festivities related to the Olympic torch relay have already been reduced to contain the spread of the deadly virus. The IOC also ruled out the possibility of hosting the Games behind closed doors.
Speculations still hover around the Tokyo 2020 Olympics
With growing concerns about the fate of Olympics, the final decision stands with the International Olympic Committee. According to the committee, there has not been any decision about cancellation or postponement of the event. However, under the hosting agreement, the IOC President holds the right to cancel the Games if the situation gets alarming. Any delay in the Olympics would severely affect Japan.
