Japan has been forced to scrap plans to involve children in the Olympic torch handover and arrival ceremonies because of fears over the new coronavirus, Tokyo 2020's chief organiser said on Friday.

According to AFP, the announcement was made after organisers said they might have to scale back the torch relay and limit spectators because of concerns over spreading the COVID-19.

Organising committee head Yoshiro Mori called it a “heartbreaking decision” to cancel a performance of 140 children at the handover ceremony in Athens.