Japan committed to hosting Olympics on schedule even as virus spreads

(Reuters) - Japan’s Olympics minister said on Thursday (March 5) the country is committed to hosting the summer games as planned from July even as the coronavirus outbreak spread to new parts of the country.

The minister had caused controversy earlier this week by saying the contract for the Games "could be interpreted as allowing a postponement" within calendar 2020.

Tokyo residents, however, said they disagreed with the plan, voicing their opinions clearly.

"I think it’s best the Olympics be cancelled.…I feel sorry for the athletes and the people who have prepared for the Olympic Games but it is a virus -- lives are more important," said 77-year-old Yufumi Tamaki.

Japan’s total confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 1,036 as of Thursday morning, 36 more than the previous day, according to national broadcaster NHK.