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Officials say Tokyo 2020 Olympics cancellation is possible due to coronavirus

Liz Hund
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Liz Hund is a former TPG writer, covering everything from the latest deal to deeper guides with a focus on beginners.
Feb. 25, 2020
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2 min read
Officials say Tokyo 2020 Olympics cancellation is possible due to coronavirus
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The coronavirus outbreak continues to spread at a rapid rate, with Northern Italy being the latest destination to take serious precautions, canceling major events like the annual Carnevale celebration in Venice. Now, officials from the International Olympic Committee are sharing that a 2020 Summer Olympics cancellation is possible given the current status of the outbreak.

IOC member Dick Pound says Tokyo Olympic organizers have until late May to see if the virus is under control. If not, "you're probably looking at a cancellation." https://t.co/e90SS6Px8B

— AP Sports (@AP_Sports) February 25, 2020

Dick Pound, a former Canadian swimming champion and longest-serving member of the IOC, told the Associated Press that a cancellation is more likely than postponing or moving the event, given the severity of the outbreak. The committee is planning to decide by late May, which is just two months before the July 24 Opening Ceremony.

Related: Everything you need to know about the deadly coronavirus outbreak

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Nearly 11,000 athletes are expected to participate in 2020, with an estimated 7.8 million tickets allocated for spectators. As of now, Pound is encouraging athletes to continue training.

The Olympic Games were cancelled in 1916, 1940 and 1944 due to World War I and World War II. No other Olympic Games have ever been completely canceled, so a complete cancellation in 2020 would be a major development.

Featured image by Getty Images

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for the well-traveled foodie

American Express® Gold Card

TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
4 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
3XEarn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

  • Intro Offer
    Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

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  • Annual Fee

    $250

  • Recommended Credit
    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

    670-850
    Excellent/Good

Why We Chose It

There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.

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  • 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
  • Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months

Cons

  • Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
  • Few travel perks and protections
  • Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
  • Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $250.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees