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In Japan, hundreds have been infected by the virus with two deaths confirmed on the Diamond Princess cruise ship off Yokohama port, sparking concerns that the world’s top sporting event may not take place.

Despite much of the 2012 infrastructure being repurposed to redevelop parts of east London after the Games, Bailey said the city was well placed to step in for Tokyo if needed and urged the Olympic Committee to consider the city as an alternative.

“London can host the #Olympics in 2020,” he said on Twitter.

“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 statement.

“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,” he said.

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The London mayoral election is due to take place on May 7, and Bailey is trailing in opinion polls behind the incumbent, Sadiq Khan, from the opposition Labour Party.

In London, there was skepticism at Bailey’s comments: sports officials said they were looking forward to the Tokyo Olympics and that London had no plans to usurp the Games.

“These are the remarks of a mayoral candidate, not the remarks of Britain or even London,” said one sports official.

The Tokyo 2020 organizing committee did not comment on Bailey’s remarks. It said in an e-mailed statement that they were taking the necessary steps over the coronavirus.