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Word Athletics takes Olympics health fears 'seriously'

Opinion surveys have shown that most Japanese oppose holding the Games this summer due to worries about the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking at a press conference in Tokyo on Sunday (May 9), Coe sought to reassure people that the measures taken by the organising bodies mean that the Games can go ahead safely.

He pointed to the last weekend's world relay championships in Poland as an example of how the measures are working, with no positive COVID tests reported from over 700 athletes taking part.

Coe was speaking on a day when hundreds of athletes, including U.S. sprinter Justin Gatlin, participated in a test event at the Olympic Stadium, as organisers fine-tuned operations and practiced COVID-19 countermeasures with under three months to go before the Tokyo Games begin.

No spectators were present in the stadium, where the Olympics opening and closing ceremonies will be held, as Tokyo remains under a state of emergency to tame a rise in coronavirus infections.