Suspend or postpone: Abe's plea to sports events

Japanese Prime Minister urged large sports and cultural events to eir suspend, postpone or reduce attendants for next two weeks, in a bid to stem fast-spreing coronavirus.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday in Tokyo, Shinzo Abe said in order to reduce risk of infection of new coronavirus, such measures were necessary.

A senior member of International Olympic Committee said on Tuesday that if it proves too dangerous to hold Olympics in Tokyo this summer because of coronavirus outbreak, organizers are more likely to cancel it altoger than to postpone or move it.

International Olympics Committee has told Japan that comments me by a senior member about reconsidering games is t its official position, according to Japan's top government spokesperson.

While cases in South Korea are also increasing, foreigners with travel history in Daegu and Cheongdo-gun within 14 days prior to application for immigration will be denied entry under Immigration Control Act, Abe said.

government has also urged employers to allow workers to telecommute and have more flexible hours, simple moves Abe has previously expressed hope could help control spre.

Japan's case total of 860, third highest behind China and South Korea, includes 691 passengers and crew from Diamond Princess.

Four former passengers on ship have died and more than a dozen people who were evacuated by ir home countries later tested positive for virus.

Six government officials involved in quarantine effort also became sick.