NSTworld: Japan on Friday said it was determined to hold a “safe and secure” TokyoOlympics on schedule, after U.S. President DonaldTrump suggested a one year delay because of the coronavirus pandemic. covid19
Lawmakers later granted Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe emergency powers to close schools and halt large gatherings. His economy minister also pledged “bold and unprecedented steps” to lessen economic fallout as financial market panic pushed the Nikkei stock market benchmark 6.1 percent lower.
On Thursday, Trump told reporters in the White House that he “just can’t see having no people there,” referring to the Tokyo Games. “I think if you cancel it, make it a year later that’s a better alternative than doing it with no crowd.” Japan has sought to quash speculation that the games, which have cost it at least US$12 billion in preparations and attracted more than US$3 billion in domestic sponsorships, could be cancelled or postponed as the number of people infected has reached 127,000 worldwide.
With travel demand shrinking, Japanese airline ANA Holdings Inc said it will reduce flights to North America and Europe. Rival Japan Airlines Co. plans to slash 1,468 domestic flights this month.
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