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Coronavirus Live Updates: Europe Prepares for Pandemic as Illness Spreads From Italy Coronavirus Live Updates: Europe Prepares for Pandemic as Illness Spreads From Italy
(32 minutes later)
Read updates in Chinese: 新冠病毒疫情最新消息汇总Read updates in Chinese: 新冠病毒疫情最新消息汇总
New cases of the coronavirus popping up across Europe. Dozens of new infections in Iran stoking fears about the uncontrolled spread of the virus in the Middle East. Global markets continuing to slide. Health authorities in the United States warning that it was a matter of when, not if, the virus would invade American shores. A toxic political climate in Washington complicating the public health challenge. New cases of the coronavirus popping up across Europe. Dozens of new infections in Iran stoking fears about the uncontrolled spread of the virus in the Middle East. Global market jitters continuing after a steep slide. Health authorities in the United States warning that it was a matter of when, not if, the virus would invade American shores. A toxic political climate in Washington complicating the public health challenge.
That worrying drumbeat frayed nerves across the world on Wednesday even as the pace of the outbreak seemed to be slowing in China.That worrying drumbeat frayed nerves across the world on Wednesday even as the pace of the outbreak seemed to be slowing in China.
For the first time, more new cases have been reported outside China than inside, according to the World Health Organization. The number of new cases reported in China on Tuesday was 411; in the rest of the world, the number was 427. The total number of cases globally has now reached 80,980 and nearly 3,000 have died.For the first time, more new cases have been reported outside China than inside, according to the World Health Organization. The number of new cases reported in China on Tuesday was 411; in the rest of the world, the number was 427. The total number of cases globally has now reached 80,980 and nearly 3,000 have died.
In the European Union, which prides itself on its open borders among member nations, new cases were recorded in Austria, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece and Spain. Most were tied to Italy, where the authorities have been struggling to contain an outbreak that has infected at least 325 people, most of them in the north near Milan. In the European Union, which prides itself on its open borders among member nations, new cases were recorded in Austria, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece and Spain. Most were tied to Italy, where the authorities have been struggling to contain an outbreak that has infected at least 325 people, most of them in the north near Milan.
Officials from the bloc warned that more needed to be done to prepare for further outbreaks and to have a more coordinated response.Officials from the bloc warned that more needed to be done to prepare for further outbreaks and to have a more coordinated response.
Three hotels — in Austria, in France and in the Canary Islands of Spain — were locked down this week after guests tested positive for the virus or were suspected of having it. The steps to limit contagion differed from place to place, but large group gatherings were often the first things to be canceled in towns and villages where the virus had been detected.Three hotels — in Austria, in France and in the Canary Islands of Spain — were locked down this week after guests tested positive for the virus or were suspected of having it. The steps to limit contagion differed from place to place, but large group gatherings were often the first things to be canceled in towns and villages where the virus had been detected.
In Asia, the Chinese authorities cautioned that the falling rate of infection might be only a temporary reprieve, while South Korean officials were still scrambling to contain the largest outbreak of the virus outside China. The U.S. military confirmed that one soldier stationed in South Korea had tested positive for the virus.In Asia, the Chinese authorities cautioned that the falling rate of infection might be only a temporary reprieve, while South Korean officials were still scrambling to contain the largest outbreak of the virus outside China. The U.S. military confirmed that one soldier stationed in South Korea had tested positive for the virus.
As the American health authorities braced for an outbreak of the virus in the United States, the Trump administration came under criticism from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers for its contradictory statements on the severity of the crisis, a lack of transparency and seemingly lackadaisical preparations.As the American health authorities braced for an outbreak of the virus in the United States, the Trump administration came under criticism from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers for its contradictory statements on the severity of the crisis, a lack of transparency and seemingly lackadaisical preparations.
Brazil’s health ministry said on Wednesday that a 61-year-old man who recently traveled to São Paulo from Italy had contracted the coronavirus.Brazil’s health ministry said on Wednesday that a 61-year-old man who recently traveled to São Paulo from Italy had contracted the coronavirus.
The first known case in Latin America, it comes as Brazil is in the midst of Carnival, a hugely popular festival that draws large crowds into close quarters for raucous street celebrations.The first known case in Latin America, it comes as Brazil is in the midst of Carnival, a hugely popular festival that draws large crowds into close quarters for raucous street celebrations.
Officials were scrambling to track down other passengers on the flight the man took to Brazil and to find others who had come into contact with him in recent days.Officials were scrambling to track down other passengers on the flight the man took to Brazil and to find others who had come into contact with him in recent days.
The patient, who lives in São Paulo, had recently traveled for work to northern Italy, where an outbreak has infected at least 325 people. He sought medical help after experiencing a fever, cough and sore throat, according to health officials.The patient, who lives in São Paulo, had recently traveled for work to northern Italy, where an outbreak has infected at least 325 people. He sought medical help after experiencing a fever, cough and sore throat, according to health officials.
Brazil’s health minister, Luiz Henrique Mandetta, told the G1 news site that officials were hopeful that the virus would not spread briskly in Brazil, given the warmer time of year.Brazil’s health minister, Luiz Henrique Mandetta, told the G1 news site that officials were hopeful that the virus would not spread briskly in Brazil, given the warmer time of year.
“The virus behaves differently in the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere,” he said. “Brazil is a country of younger people, and we’re in summertime. This is a period that is not conducive for a respiratory virus.”“The virus behaves differently in the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere,” he said. “Brazil is a country of younger people, and we’re in summertime. This is a period that is not conducive for a respiratory virus.”
As the number of new coronavirus infections in South Korea soared on Wednesday, with 284 new cases reported, the U.S. military ordered all people who came into contact with an American soldier who tested positive for the virus to isolate themselves in their homes.As the number of new coronavirus infections in South Korea soared on Wednesday, with 284 new cases reported, the U.S. military ordered all people who came into contact with an American soldier who tested positive for the virus to isolate themselves in their homes.
The 23-year-old soldier, one of nearly 30,000 troops based in the country, is stationed at Camp Carrol is in Waegwan, 12 miles from Daegu, the city at the center of the country’s outbreak.The 23-year-old soldier, one of nearly 30,000 troops based in the country, is stationed at Camp Carrol is in Waegwan, 12 miles from Daegu, the city at the center of the country’s outbreak.
Updated Feb. 25, 2020
The surge in virus cases was the largest single daily jump since the country announced that the virus had spread there last month. The rise was partly because the country is in the final stages of testing hundreds of members of a secretive church in the city of Daegu that has been hit hard by the virus.The surge in virus cases was the largest single daily jump since the country announced that the virus had spread there last month. The rise was partly because the country is in the final stages of testing hundreds of members of a secretive church in the city of Daegu that has been hit hard by the virus.
Updated Feb. 26, 2020
South Korea now has 1,261 cases, the largest outbreak outside China. The majority are in Daegu.South Korea now has 1,261 cases, the largest outbreak outside China. The majority are in Daegu.
The government says it is still unsure how the virus got to South Korea. Suspicions have been raised about the church at the epicenter of the outbreak, the Shincheonji church, which has members in Wuhan, China, where the virus has been raging. But the government has not said the virus started with church members.The government says it is still unsure how the virus got to South Korea. Suspicions have been raised about the church at the epicenter of the outbreak, the Shincheonji church, which has members in Wuhan, China, where the virus has been raging. But the government has not said the virus started with church members.
In response to the growing crisis, the U.S. military elevated its risk level to “high” on Monday, advising all troops to “limit non-mission-essential” meetings and “off-installation travel.”In response to the growing crisis, the U.S. military elevated its risk level to “high” on Monday, advising all troops to “limit non-mission-essential” meetings and “off-installation travel.”
At gates of American military bases across South Korea, assessment stations have been set up, with soldiers lining up to go through temperature checks and screening questionnaires. The military also posted an online map showing places in the country where cases have been documented. At gates of American military bases across South Korea, assessment stations have been set up, with soldiers lining up to go through temperature checks and screening questionnaires. The military also posted an online map showing places in the country where cases have been documented.
On Tuesday, the United States and South Korea said they would consider scaling back joint military exercise after an outbreak infected at least 13 South Korean soldiers.On Tuesday, the United States and South Korea said they would consider scaling back joint military exercise after an outbreak infected at least 13 South Korean soldiers.
The U.S. military in Japan sent out a notice on Wednesday telling all personnel there to avoid nonessential travel to South Korea.The U.S. military in Japan sent out a notice on Wednesday telling all personnel there to avoid nonessential travel to South Korea.
Col. Edward Ballanco, the Army garrison commander for the affected area, said the military was not yet evacuating anyone from the base and that it was running a grocery delivery services for those quarantined. Restaurants remained open, but only for takeout.Col. Edward Ballanco, the Army garrison commander for the affected area, said the military was not yet evacuating anyone from the base and that it was running a grocery delivery services for those quarantined. Restaurants remained open, but only for takeout.
The European Union needs to prepare for a coronavirus pandemic, the bloc’s top official for communicable diseases warned on Wednesday, as Italy struggled to control an outbreak in the north of the country.The European Union needs to prepare for a coronavirus pandemic, the bloc’s top official for communicable diseases warned on Wednesday, as Italy struggled to control an outbreak in the north of the country.
“Our current assessment is that we will likely see a similar situation in other countries in Europe, and that the picture may vary from country to country,” said the official, Andrea Ammon, who is director of the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control.“Our current assessment is that we will likely see a similar situation in other countries in Europe, and that the picture may vary from country to country,” said the official, Andrea Ammon, who is director of the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control.
“We also need to consider the need to prepare for other scenarios — for example, large clusters elsewhere in Europe,” she added, speaking at a news conference in Rome.“We also need to consider the need to prepare for other scenarios — for example, large clusters elsewhere in Europe,” she added, speaking at a news conference in Rome.
The bloc of 27 countries, interconnected through trade and travel, has been on high alert since the coronavirus took hold in northern Italy over the weekend. The illness has already spread to other countries on the Continent, with patients in Austria, Croatia, Spain and elsewhere.The bloc of 27 countries, interconnected through trade and travel, has been on high alert since the coronavirus took hold in northern Italy over the weekend. The illness has already spread to other countries on the Continent, with patients in Austria, Croatia, Spain and elsewhere.
The European Commission, the E.U. administrative branch, has been trying to get health care officials in the 27 member states to share information about the virus. Despite urgent meetings in Brussels of health ministers from the bloc, officials say there is scant information on what each country plans or is able to do should a larger-scale outbreak occur.The European Commission, the E.U. administrative branch, has been trying to get health care officials in the 27 member states to share information about the virus. Despite urgent meetings in Brussels of health ministers from the bloc, officials say there is scant information on what each country plans or is able to do should a larger-scale outbreak occur.
In a visit to Italy on Wednesday, the bloc’s health commissioner, Stella Kyriakides, said she had asked all member countries to send her details of their pandemic preparedness, including how they planned to reach people who had been in contact with someone who was sick.In a visit to Italy on Wednesday, the bloc’s health commissioner, Stella Kyriakides, said she had asked all member countries to send her details of their pandemic preparedness, including how they planned to reach people who had been in contact with someone who was sick.
“I urge member states to share that with us and each other, as it is important for our security,” she said.“I urge member states to share that with us and each other, as it is important for our security,” she said.
President Trump said he would hold a news conference with officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at the White House on Wednesday.President Trump said he would hold a news conference with officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at the White House on Wednesday.
The news conference, to be held at 6 p.m. Eastern, will also include other officials, he wrote in a Twitter post.The news conference, to be held at 6 p.m. Eastern, will also include other officials, he wrote in a Twitter post.
The president also attacked the news media for “doing everything possible” to make the situation look dire, “including panicking markets.”The president also attacked the news media for “doing everything possible” to make the situation look dire, “including panicking markets.”
Mr. Trump has repeatedly tried to minimize fears about the coronavirus, saying on Monday that it was “very much under control” in the United States.Mr. Trump has repeatedly tried to minimize fears about the coronavirus, saying on Monday that it was “very much under control” in the United States.
Mr. Trump lashed out at what he called “Do Nothing Democrat comrades,” even as his administration has come under fire from both Republicans and Democrats for not doing enough to prepare for the coronavirus in the United States.Mr. Trump lashed out at what he called “Do Nothing Democrat comrades,” even as his administration has come under fire from both Republicans and Democrats for not doing enough to prepare for the coronavirus in the United States.
His administration has asked Congress to allocate $1.25 billion in new emergency funds to bolster its coronavirus response.His administration has asked Congress to allocate $1.25 billion in new emergency funds to bolster its coronavirus response.
The authorities in Germany’s most populous state, North Rhine-Westphalia, scrambled on Wednesday to retrace the steps over the past two weeks of a couple who contracted the coronavirus from a source they could not immediately identify, raising the troubling prospect that the virus may have been transmitted within the country itself.The authorities in Germany’s most populous state, North Rhine-Westphalia, scrambled on Wednesday to retrace the steps over the past two weeks of a couple who contracted the coronavirus from a source they could not immediately identify, raising the troubling prospect that the virus may have been transmitted within the country itself.
Almost all of the new cases in Europe — including in Austria, Croatia, Spain and Switzerland — have been linked to known hot spots in Italy or China or a cruise ship that was docked in Japan. The German authorities said the infected couple had no known connection to any of those places.Almost all of the new cases in Europe — including in Austria, Croatia, Spain and Switzerland — have been linked to known hot spots in Italy or China or a cruise ship that was docked in Japan. The German authorities said the infected couple had no known connection to any of those places.
The couple had spent the incubation period for the virus “taking part in normal, public life,” said Karl-Josef Laumann, the state health minister.The couple had spent the incubation period for the virus “taking part in normal, public life,” said Karl-Josef Laumann, the state health minister.
That included attending a large carnival party and taking a brief trip to the Netherlands, Mr. Laumann said. The hotel where the couple stayed and regional authorities in the Netherlands have all been informed.That included attending a large carnival party and taking a brief trip to the Netherlands, Mr. Laumann said. The hotel where the couple stayed and regional authorities in the Netherlands have all been informed.
The couple, whose identities were not released, have two children who have been tested for the virus but have shown no symptoms, he said.The couple, whose identities were not released, have two children who have been tested for the virus but have shown no symptoms, he said.
The woman is a preschool teacher, and as a precaution, the authorities closed schools and preschools in the city of Heinsberg, where the family live. The authorities cautioned anyone in the area who may be feeling symptoms to stay home and call a doctor instead of going immediately to a medical facility.The woman is a preschool teacher, and as a precaution, the authorities closed schools and preschools in the city of Heinsberg, where the family live. The authorities cautioned anyone in the area who may be feeling symptoms to stay home and call a doctor instead of going immediately to a medical facility.
The authorities in the southwestern German state of Baden-Württemberg confirmed another new case, a 25-year-old man thought to have contracted the virus during a trip to Milan. On his return, he contacted local health officials and was placed in isolation.The authorities in the southwestern German state of Baden-Württemberg confirmed another new case, a 25-year-old man thought to have contracted the virus during a trip to Milan. On his return, he contacted local health officials and was placed in isolation.
Germany’s previous cases were linked to a Bavarian car-part maker that had been visited by an employee from China in January.Germany’s previous cases were linked to a Bavarian car-part maker that had been visited by an employee from China in January.
Stocks on Wall Street rebounded on Wednesday, recovering from back-to-back losses this week that had wiped more than 6 percent off the S&P 500.Stocks on Wall Street rebounded on Wednesday, recovering from back-to-back losses this week that had wiped more than 6 percent off the S&P 500.
The recovery came as major markets in Europe and Asia continued to drift lower, with investors reacting to reports of the coronavirus spreading across the globe.The recovery came as major markets in Europe and Asia continued to drift lower, with investors reacting to reports of the coronavirus spreading across the globe.
The S&P 500 was up more than 1 percent in early trading on Wednesday. The benchmark had fallen 3 percent on Tuesday and experienced its worst one-day slide in two years on Monday.The S&P 500 was up more than 1 percent in early trading on Wednesday. The benchmark had fallen 3 percent on Tuesday and experienced its worst one-day slide in two years on Monday.
However, European markets fell more than 1 percent on Wednesday as investors weighed the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. Asian markets ended the trading day lower.However, European markets fell more than 1 percent on Wednesday as investors weighed the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. Asian markets ended the trading day lower.
Investors have been dumping stocks all week, seeking safer investments like government bonds, as the outbreak spreads beyond Asia.Investors have been dumping stocks all week, seeking safer investments like government bonds, as the outbreak spreads beyond Asia.
In trading on Wednesday, the DAX in Germany fell 2.1 percent, and the FTSE 100 in Britain was 1.1 percent lower. In Asia, the Hang Seng in Hong Kong lost 0.7 percent and the Shanghai Composite Index dropped 0.8 percent.In trading on Wednesday, the DAX in Germany fell 2.1 percent, and the FTSE 100 in Britain was 1.1 percent lower. In Asia, the Hang Seng in Hong Kong lost 0.7 percent and the Shanghai Composite Index dropped 0.8 percent.
Two additional European hotels were put on lockdown on Wednesday as coronavirus infections spread on the Continent. Two European hotels were on lockdown on Wednesday as coronavirus infections spread on the Continent, and a third was quarantined for several hours.
The authorities in Innsbruck, an Austrian ski town in the Alps, sealed off the 108-room Grand Hotel after an Italian employee there tested positive for the virus. The cordon was the second at a European hotel in two days, after Spain on Tuesday cordoned off the H10 Costa Adeje Palace on the resort island of Tenerife after a guest, also from Italy, tested positive.The authorities in Innsbruck, an Austrian ski town in the Alps, sealed off the 108-room Grand Hotel after an Italian employee there tested positive for the virus. The cordon was the second at a European hotel in two days, after Spain on Tuesday cordoned off the H10 Costa Adeje Palace on the resort island of Tenerife after a guest, also from Italy, tested positive.
Each of the infected Italians had recently visited the Lombardy region of the country.Each of the infected Italians had recently visited the Lombardy region of the country.
Though the virus originated in China, an outbreak in Italy has given it a foothold in Europe from which it has spread to at least five countries.Though the virus originated in China, an outbreak in Italy has given it a foothold in Europe from which it has spread to at least five countries.
Spain, Austria, Croatia, Switzerland and France all reported cases linked to Lombardy on Tuesday.Spain, Austria, Croatia, Switzerland and France all reported cases linked to Lombardy on Tuesday.
In central France, the Ibis Center hotel in Beaune was closed after a client from Hong Kong died during the night. The health authorities ordered that all 30 members of the guest’s group remain in isolation while tests were conducted. They came back negative on Wednesday afternoon. In central France, the Ibis Center hotel in Beaune was closed after a client from Hong Kong died during the night. The health authorities ordered that all 30 members of the guest’s group remain in isolation while tests were conducted.
But the tests results on Wednesday afternoon did not show coronavirus, and the lockdown was lifted.
A Chinese community worker checking on residents in a central Chinese city found a 6-year-old boy fending for himself after his grandfather died at home, a discovery that has set off a wave of criticism on Chinese social media.A Chinese community worker checking on residents in a central Chinese city found a 6-year-old boy fending for himself after his grandfather died at home, a discovery that has set off a wave of criticism on Chinese social media.
The worker in the city of Shiyan in Hubei Province, the heart of the coronavirus outbreak, had been conducting medical checks on residents on Monday when the boy answered the door.The worker in the city of Shiyan in Hubei Province, the heart of the coronavirus outbreak, had been conducting medical checks on residents on Monday when the boy answered the door.
The worker found that the boy’s 70-year-old grandfather had died at home, the local office that carries out investigations and prosecutions said on the social media site Weibo on Tuesday. It identified the grandfather by his surname, Tan.The worker found that the boy’s 70-year-old grandfather had died at home, the local office that carries out investigations and prosecutions said on the social media site Weibo on Tuesday. It identified the grandfather by his surname, Tan.
The boy had stayed home because his grandfather had told him not to go out in order to avoid exposure to the outbreak, the Weibo post said. It cited a hospital worker who said the man appeared to have been dead for two or three days when he was found.The boy had stayed home because his grandfather had told him not to go out in order to avoid exposure to the outbreak, the Weibo post said. It cited a hospital worker who said the man appeared to have been dead for two or three days when he was found.
It also said Mr. Tan was not infected by the coronavirus and that the time of his death was being investigated.It also said Mr. Tan was not infected by the coronavirus and that the time of his death was being investigated.
The reports set off public anger online over whether public officials had, in imposing severe lockdown and containment measures in the province, allowed a vulnerable family to fall through the cracks.The reports set off public anger online over whether public officials had, in imposing severe lockdown and containment measures in the province, allowed a vulnerable family to fall through the cracks.
Some social media users accused the boy’s parents of negligence — even though as one Chinese news outlet reported, Mr. Tan’s adult son was in the southern Chinese region of Guangxi and unable to return home.Some social media users accused the boy’s parents of negligence — even though as one Chinese news outlet reported, Mr. Tan’s adult son was in the southern Chinese region of Guangxi and unable to return home.
The Zhangwan government could not be immediately reached for comment.The Zhangwan government could not be immediately reached for comment.
Nurses in Wuhan, China, psychologically stressed and physically exhausted, appealed to medical workers around the world to come to the heart of the outbreak and help them treat the thousands of infected people there.Nurses in Wuhan, China, psychologically stressed and physically exhausted, appealed to medical workers around the world to come to the heart of the outbreak and help them treat the thousands of infected people there.
The unusually public appeal for help, made in an open letter published Monday in the medical journal The Lancet, underlines how severely overwhelmed and understaffed the hospitals in the city continue to be despite the thousands of volunteers the government has deployed.The unusually public appeal for help, made in an open letter published Monday in the medical journal The Lancet, underlines how severely overwhelmed and understaffed the hospitals in the city continue to be despite the thousands of volunteers the government has deployed.
The government has sought to promote its efforts in the party’s propaganda outlets, hailing the medical workers as patriots while playing down the shortages in hospitals beds, protective gear and medical supplies that have been made worse by a monthlong lockdown.The government has sought to promote its efforts in the party’s propaganda outlets, hailing the medical workers as patriots while playing down the shortages in hospitals beds, protective gear and medical supplies that have been made worse by a monthlong lockdown.
“We are asking nurses and medical staff from countries around the world to come to China now, to help us in this battle,” read the letter, which was signed by nurses working in isolation units at a Wuhan hospital. “In addition to the physical exhaustion, we are also suffering psychologically. While we are professional nurses, we are also human.”“We are asking nurses and medical staff from countries around the world to come to China now, to help us in this battle,” read the letter, which was signed by nurses working in isolation units at a Wuhan hospital. “In addition to the physical exhaustion, we are also suffering psychologically. While we are professional nurses, we are also human.”
Severe shortages of protective equipment and health care professionals in Wuhan were exacerbating the tough conditions in isolation wards, the letter said. Wearing thick layers of protective gear for long stretches means having to “speak very loudly” to communicate, while some nurses developed pressure ulcers on their foreheads and ears from masks and goggles, and blisters around their mouths.Severe shortages of protective equipment and health care professionals in Wuhan were exacerbating the tough conditions in isolation wards, the letter said. Wearing thick layers of protective gear for long stretches means having to “speak very loudly” to communicate, while some nurses developed pressure ulcers on their foreheads and ears from masks and goggles, and blisters around their mouths.
Such workers are at particular risk of infection. More than 3,000 medical workers across China have been infected with the virus, according to the Chinese government.Such workers are at particular risk of infection. More than 3,000 medical workers across China have been infected with the virus, according to the Chinese government.
Offers of assistance from doctors and nurses around the world as well from the World Health Organization were ignored in the early weeks of the outbreak.Offers of assistance from doctors and nurses around the world as well from the World Health Organization were ignored in the early weeks of the outbreak.
“Like everyone else, we feel helplessness, anxiety and fear,” the letter said.“Like everyone else, we feel helplessness, anxiety and fear,” the letter said.
The Japanese government on Wednesday sought to play down concerns that the global spread of the coronavirus would affect the Tokyo Olympics, saying it had no plans to cancel or make other big changes to the Games.The Japanese government on Wednesday sought to play down concerns that the global spread of the coronavirus would affect the Tokyo Olympics, saying it had no plans to cancel or make other big changes to the Games.
At a regular news briefing, the chief cabinet secretary, Yoshihide Suga, said that preparations for the Games, which are scheduled to open in late July, were proceeding “as planned.”At a regular news briefing, the chief cabinet secretary, Yoshihide Suga, said that preparations for the Games, which are scheduled to open in late July, were proceeding “as planned.”
Mr. Suga offered his assurances a day after The Associated Press published an interview with Dick Pound, a member of the International Olympic Committee, who said the Games might have to be canceled if they could not be held safely.Mr. Suga offered his assurances a day after The Associated Press published an interview with Dick Pound, a member of the International Olympic Committee, who said the Games might have to be canceled if they could not be held safely.
Mr. Pound said a decision would need to be made no later than May. “In and around that time, I’d say folks are going to have to ask, ‘Is this under sufficient control that we can be confident about going to Tokyo or not?’” he said.Mr. Pound said a decision would need to be made no later than May. “In and around that time, I’d say folks are going to have to ask, ‘Is this under sufficient control that we can be confident about going to Tokyo or not?’” he said.
In response to a question about the remarks, Mr. Suga said they were “not the official view of the I.O.C.”In response to a question about the remarks, Mr. Suga said they were “not the official view of the I.O.C.”
The virus has already affected preparations for the Olympics, particularly in China, where athletes have had to change their training regimens and forgo qualifying events because of restrictions on their travel.The virus has already affected preparations for the Olympics, particularly in China, where athletes have had to change their training regimens and forgo qualifying events because of restrictions on their travel.
Hoping to curb a gradual increase in reported coronavirus cases in Japan, the authorities on Tuesday called for the cancellation of public gatherings such as sporting events and concerts in the coming weeks.Hoping to curb a gradual increase in reported coronavirus cases in Japan, the authorities on Tuesday called for the cancellation of public gatherings such as sporting events and concerts in the coming weeks.
Japan’s professional soccer and rugby leagues have announced that they will cancel or delay events, while some professional baseball games have been closed to spectators. Japan’s professional soccer and rugby leagues have announced that they will cancel or delay events, while some professional baseball games have been closed to spectato
Reporting was contributed by Russell Goldman, Choe Sang-Hun, Keith Bradsher, Austin Ramzy, Elaine Yu, Ben Dooley, Alexandra Stevenson, Kevin Granville, Marc Santora, Melissa Eddy, Christopher F. Schuetze and Matina Stevis-Gridneff.Reporting was contributed by Russell Goldman, Choe Sang-Hun, Keith Bradsher, Austin Ramzy, Elaine Yu, Ben Dooley, Alexandra Stevenson, Kevin Granville, Marc Santora, Melissa Eddy, Christopher F. Schuetze and Matina Stevis-Gridneff.