Olympics to continue as planned in spite of coronavirus fears

Summer games to kick off on July 24 in Tokyo

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (KYMA, KECY) - A spokesperson for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Tuesday confirmed the summer games will begin as planned in spite of coronavirus fears.

The illness has been blamed for 12 deaths in Japan. It's closed most schools, sporting events, and Olympic-related events in the country. Many had speculated it could force the postponement, or even cancellation, of the summer games.

But Monday, the Olympic Committee's executive board, quickly put an end to those rumors.

"The conclusion from us is, the games are going ahead, the games will go ahead, we are confident they will go ahead and we are confident they will start on the 24th of July. So all the rest is speculation. As I say, you can ask me many ways round the same question, and I will give you more or less the same answer." said IOC spokesperson Mark Adams.

Adams says most Olympic athletes support the IOC's decision.