Cancelling this summer's Tokyo Olympics may be an option if the spread of coronavirus infections forces organizers to think it would be difficult to hold the event, a senior Japanese official was quoted as saying in a media report.

Liberal Democratic Party Secretary General Toshihiro Nikai, the No. 2 leader of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's ruling party, made the remark while recording a TV programme, reported Kyodo News.

Meanwhile, the government is arranging preparations incorporating social distancing measures and restrictions on spectators for the Games set to begin on July 23, reported Reuters.