Abe Shinzo told Japan’s parliament Monday that postponing the Olympics may become an option if holding the Games in its “complete form” became impossible. 

This was Abe’s first acknowledgement that the 2020 Games may not open as scheduled on July 24, as the novel coronavirus continues to create chaos around the globe. 

Opposition to holding the Games in July has risen sharply in the past 48 hours, with several major stakeholders such as US Track and Field and UK Athletics, along with several national Olympic committees, calling for a delay because of the pandemic.

Canada said on Sunday it will not participate in the Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer.