A decision on whether to postpone the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo will be made within the next four weeks.

The games are scheduled for July 24-August 9.

"The IOC will, in full coordination and partnership with the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, the Japanese authorities and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, start detailed discussions to complete its assessment of the rapid development of the worldwide health situation and its impact on the Olympic Games, including the scenario of postponement," the IOC said as part of a lengthy statement. "The IOC is confident that it will have finalised these discussions within the next four weeks, and greatly appreciates the solidarity and partnership of the [national Olympic committees] and [international federations] in supporting the athletes and adapting Games planning."

Sunday's statement is the first one on the record from the IOC affirming that the Olympics could be postponed.