Paralympics: IPC to continue preps for Tokyo Games despite coronavirus

From Kyodo News

February 28th 2020

TOKYO – The International Paralympic Committee said Thursday it will stay the course in preparations for this summer’s Tokyo Games despite mounting concerns over the spread of coronavirus in Japan.

While the current virus outbreak has dealt a major blow to the sports world, causing cancelations and postponement of events, the Paralympics’ governing body said it has not considered altering the preparation schedule for the games, which open on Aug. 25.

“Preparations by the IPC and Tokyo 2020 (organizers) for this summer’s Paralympic Games continue as planned,” IPC Director of Media and Communications Craig Spence said in a statement.

“Countermeasures against infectious diseases constitute an important part of Tokyo 2020’s plans to host a safe and secure games,” he said. “We have full confidence that the relevant authorities, in particular in Japan and China, will take all the necessary measures to address the situation.”