Japan PM Abe says postponing Olympics may be unavoidable

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday said a postponement of Tokyo Olympics would be unavoidable if games cant be held in a complete way because of coronavirus pandemic.

He was commenting on International Olympic Committee's plan to examine situation over next few weeks and make a decision, which could include option to postpone.

"If it is difficult to hold ( Games) in a complete way a decision of postponement would be unavoidable as we think athletes' safety is paramount," Abe said.

Abe said he hoped IOC will make a decision early if it is postponed, because process would involve a lot of work and should start as soon as possible.

Abe, speaking at a parliamentary session, ruled out possibility of a cancellation.

Wher Japan can hold Tokyo Games as planned from July 24 has been a major international concern as COVID-19 outbreak has spre globally.

Olympic torch arrived last Friday in rrn Japan ahe of March 26 start of torch relay, though crowd control is key and events would be largely down scaled.

As of Sunday, Japan h 1,719 confirmed cases of virus, including 712 from a cruise ship, with 43 deaths.

While Japan has so far mand to slow acceleration of outbreak, experts say y have found a growing number of clusters in urban areas with untraceable infections.