TOKYO (Japan): Tokyo will intensify steps to implement testing measures for the deadly coronavirus before this summer’s Olympic Games.
“I will implement even more stringent measures to tackle infectious diseases. I am having discussions this weekend with senior officials to assure the safety and security of people in Tokyo and ways to prevent the spread of the virus and strengthen testing systems,” said Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike.
The Tokyo Olympics begin on July 24 with the Paralympics starting on August 25.
Koike also urged people to wash their hands and wear surgical masks to help protect them from disease.
Japan has warned citizens against non-essential travel to China, and fast-tracked new rules including limits on entering the country as it tries to contain the spread of the virulent new coronavirus.
The flu-like pathogen, which originated in Hubei’s provincial capital Wuhan, has resulted in more than 300 deaths in China. No deaths have been reported so far in Japan.
The health scare has led to the cancellation of Olympic qualifying events in China such as boxing and badminton.
Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said the travel warning for China will be raised to level two on the country’s four-point system, advising people to “avoid travel that is not urgent or is not necessary”.
