Suspend or postpone: Abe's plea to sports events

Japanese Prime Minister urged large sports and cultural events to either suspend, postpone or reduce attendants for the next two weeks, in a bid to stem the fast-spreading coronavirus.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday in Tokyo, Shinzo Abe said in order to reduce risk of infection of the new coronavirus, such measures were necessary.

A senior member of the International Olympic Committee said on Tuesday that if it proves too dangerous to hold the Olympics in Tokyo this summer because of the coronavirus outbreak, organizers are more likely to cancel it altogether than to postpone or move it.

The International Olympics Committee has told Japan that comments made by a senior member about reconsidering the games is not its official position, according to Japan's top government spokesperson.

While cases in South Korea are also increasing, foreigners with travel history in Daegu and Cheongdo-gun within 14 days prior to the application for immigration will be denied entry under the Immigration Control Act, Abe said.

The government has also urged employers to allow workers to telecommute and have more flexible hours, simple moves Abe has previously expressed hope could help control the spread.

Japan's case total of 860, third highest behind China and South Korea, includes 691 passengers and crew from the Diamond Princess.

Four former passengers on the ship have died and more than a dozen people who were evacuated by their home countries later tested positive for the virus.

Six government officials involved in the quarantine effort also became sick.