Japan extends Covid emergency in Tokyo as Olympics loom

  • Date: 07-May-2021
  • Source: National News Agency - Lebanon
  • Sector:Healthcare
  • Country:Lebanon
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Japan extends Covid emergency in Tokyo as Olympics loom



NNA - Japan has extended a coronavirus state of emergency in Tokyo and three other areas until at least the end of the month in an attempt to arrest a surge in cases less than 80 days before the start of the Olympics.

The prime minister, Yoshihide Suga, said the measures would remain in place in the capital, Osaka prefecture, and the neighbouring prefectures of Hyogo and Kyoto, the Kyodo news agency reported. Similar measures will be introduced in Fukuoka and Aichi prefectures, it added.

The economy minister, Yasutoshi Nishimura, conceded that targeted measures introduced at the end of last month that were due to end on 11 May had failed to check a dramatic rise in infections.

Restaurants serving alcohol and large shops have been asked to close with fines imposed on these who fail to comply while "dry" establishments are encouraged to close at 8pm.

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