TOKYO: Deputy Chief of Japan Olympic Committee Kozo Tashima has asserted that he had tested positive for COVID-19, as worries increase over whether Tokyo can safely host the Summer Games.
The Deputy Chief in a statement, issued via Japan Football Association said, “Today, my test result showed positive for the new coronavirus.”
He claimed that he was contracted with coronavirus on a business trip since February 28, in which he first headed to Belfast to attend the annual general meeting of International Football Association Board.
He further said, “From March 2, I visited Amsterdam for a UEFA meeting to give a presentation on Japan’s bid for the 2023 women’s World Cup,” adding that on March 3, he attended a general meeting of UEFA.
“In early March in Amsterdam and Europe, the level of coronavirus was not the same as now. Everyone was still doing hugs, handshakes, and bises (cheek kissing),” the deputy chief added.
The Deputy Chief also said that he then traveled to the US to watch the Japanese women’s team in action, before returning home on March 8.
Coronavirus has spread into almost 160 countries and has claimed lives of more than 7,000 people around the world.
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