Organizers for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics say around 10,000 volunteers from around the world originally scheduled to help at the Games this summer have quit, apparently over coronavirus concerns.

But Toshiro Muto, CEO of the organizing committee, told reporters Wednesday that the loss of helpers would not seriously affect operations as the pandemic-postponed event is expected to be scaled down.

Muto said some of the volunteers may have also dropped out due to scheduling conflicts.

With less than two months left until the Olympics, there are still calls by locals and disease experts to cancel them.

Despite growing public opposition, the International Olympic Committee continues to reiterate that the will games will be held as scheduled and safely amid the ongoing global health crisis.