General
Japan declares third COVID-19 state of emergency, just three months before Olympics
Japan has declared a third coronavirus-related state of emergency for Tokyo and three western prefectures, just three months ahead of the Olympics.
Key points:
- Authorities say the virus strain first identified in the UK is spreading
- Emergency measures have been criticised as too weak
- Japan’s PM says the IOC is keeping the Olympics going ahead
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced the emergency for Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo from April 25 through May 11, as the coronavirus variant first identified in the UK spreads in the four prefectures.
Daily infections in Japan briefly dipped in March, but have since risen to exceed 5,000 by Wednesday.
Osaka recorded 1,162 new COVID-19 cases Friday, while Tokyo had 759.
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