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Japan scientist 'very pessimistic' Olympics will happen

Japan scientist 'very pessimistic' Olympics will happen
Posted at 10:25 AM, Apr 20, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-20 11:25:46-04

TOKYO (AP) — A Japanese professor of infectious disease says he is "very pessimistic" the Tokyo Olympics can be held next year.

Kobe University professor Kentaro Iwata says the Olympics could only be held if Japan can control the COVID-19 infection and if all other countries control it.

He says "you have to invite so many athletes from many, many places, which is not very compatible with this COVID-19 infection."

The International Olympic Committee and local organizers last month postponed the Olympics for a year because of the pandemic.

Japan was spared during the initial stages of the outbreak but cases are now spiking.