London mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey on Thursday said the city would be ready to host the 2020 Olympics if the coronavirus outbreak forces the Games to be moved from Tokyo.
"Given the ongoing disruption caused by the coronavirus outbreak, I urge the Olympic Committee to seriously consider how London could stand ready to host the Olympics should the need arise," Bailey said in a social media post.
"We have the infrastructure and the experience, and if I am elected I will make sure London is ready to host the biggest sporting celebration again, if we are called on in an hour of need."
A spokesman for London Mayor Sadiq Khan told City A.M. issued a similar message.
"Everyone is working toward what will be a fantastic Tokyo Games," the spokesperson said. "In the unlikely event that it be required, London, as it has done throughout history, will do its best to step up to the plate."
The virus, which originated in China, has sickened tens of thousands of people in China and at least two dozen other countries.
Though the risk to most people outside China remains very low, the Trump administration last month declared the virus a public health emergency. Last week, CDC official Anne Schuchat urged U.S. hospitals to prepare for an outbreak.
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