Japan's PM says it's impossible to hold Olympics unless the pandemic is contained

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says that the Tokyo Olympics could not take place next year unless the coronavirus pandemic is contained, as the city’s governor called for an extension of the nationwide state of emergency.

With the pandemics’s worldwide infection rate climbing and experts suggesting a vaccine is a long way off, doubts have been raised about the chances of holding the huge event next year.

Abe says they have been saying the Olympic and Paralympic Games must be held in a complete form, in that athletes and spectators can all participate safely.

He adds it would be impossible to hold the Games in such a complete form unless the coronavirus pandemic is contained.

[Source: Reuters]