Officials Aim To Contain Virus Before Olympics
The third state of emergency declared in Japan since the start of the coronavirus pandemic includes Tokyo, where officials are aiming to stem outbreak as the clock ticks down to the Olympics and Paralympics, now just under three months away.
The declaration, which was announced Friday, takes effect on Sunday. The metropolitan government will implement a series of stricter, more intensive measures.
Bars and restaurants that serve alcohol or offer karaoke are asked to shut their doors. Shopping malls and department stores are also requested to close, except for daily essentials.
Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko is urging people to curb foot traffic by staying home. She describes the current infection situation as critical.
The capital reported more than 700 new cases on Friday. The seven-day average was up 30 percent from the week before.
Some metropolitan officials fear a further rise in cases could see people demand the Games be held without spectators, or even question whether they should go ahead at all.