Tokyo 2020 are hoping to resume volunteer training in May ©Getty Images

Tokyo 2020 are aiming to resume general volunteer training in May following a postponement due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Organisers announced training had been halted last month due to the outbreak.

General training sessions were expected to be completed by the end of February, concluding a process that would have seen around 300 events taking place at 13 venues in 11 prefectures.

Tokyo 2020 say the role-based and venue-specific training sessions remain under consideration.

Specific training for Games-time roles was due to begin in in April.

"Safe and secure operations for athletes, spectators, volunteers and staff alike are Tokyo 2020's first priority," a Tokyo 2020 spokesperson told insidethegames.

"Although most volunteers have already completed their general training, as part of countermeasures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19, those who have not will have their training sessions postponed until May.

"Notification on roles and venues originally planned for March will be sent as scheduled.

"Other events related to role-based and leadership training from April as well as venue-specific training from June are under consideration.

"Preparations for the Games are continuing as planned and we are on track to deliver a safe and secure Tokyo 2020 Games opening on 24 July 2020 as planned."

In total, 80,000 volunteers will support the Games, after being selected from 204,680 applicants.

Tokyo 2020 say role and venue specific training remains under consideration ©Getty Images
Tokyo 2020 say role and venue specific training remains under consideration ©Getty Images

Volunteers will provide support in guiding spectators, as well as competition and media operations.

They will also be deployed in various locations, including competition venues and the Athletes' Village.

The outbreak of the coronavirus – also known as COVID-19 – has killed nearly 7,500 people and infected over 188,000 worldwide.

It has fuelled suggestions Tokyo 2020 may be cancelled or postponed.

A recent poll has found that 69.9 per cent of Japanese people do not expect the Olympics and Paralympics to be staged as planned.

Japanese officials and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have repeatedly insisted the event will be held as scheduled, despite growing concern over the spread of the virus and its impact on the Games.

Dozens of events, including Olympic qualifiers and World Championships, have been cancelled or postponed as a result of the virus, while the Greek leg of the Tokyo 2020 Torch Relay was called off.