Japan's Prime Minister Abe Shinzo intends to step down to deal with a health problem. Abe has told his ruling Liberal Democratic Party officials of his intention to resign.
LDP officials and Abe held an urgent meeting at party headquarters to discuss the prime minister's decision .
Sources close to the Japanese Prime Minister say he plans to step down to deal with a health problem.
Abe Shinzo is scheduled to hold a news conference later in the day to explain his decision.
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga says the country will continue preparations to host the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games as scheduled this summer.
Suga was speaking to reporters on Tuesday morning after the Group of Seven leaders held an extraordinary video conference to coordinate their response to the new coronavirus outbreak.