Covid-19: Japan to issue third coronavirus emergency in Tokyo, Osaka area
AP/Tokyo
Photo: Reuters
Experts and leaders said ongoing semi-emergency measures have failed and tougher steps are urgently needed.
Japan is set to issue a third state of emergency for Tokyo and three western urban prefectures amid skepticism it will be enough to curb a rapid coronavirus resurgence ahead of the Olympics in July.
Health and economy ministers in charge of the virus measures were meeting with experts on a government taskforce to obtain their preliminary endorsement for the plan.
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is set to formally announce later Friday a state of emergency for Tokyo, Osaka and its two western neighbors Kyoto and Hyogo from April 25 through mid-May.
Japan to issue third coronavirus emergency in Tokyo, Osaka area ahead of Olympics
Japan to issue third coronavirus emergency in Tokyo, Osaka area ahead of Olympics
Japan will declare short and powerful states of emergency for Tokyo, Osaka and two other prefectures, as the country struggles to contain a resurgent pandemic just three months ahead of the Olympics.
advertisement
UPDATED: April 23, 2021 09:12 IST
Japan s third state of emergency since the pandemic began comes only a month after an earlier emergency ended in the Tokyo area. (Photo: AP)
Japan is set to issue a third state of emergency for Tokyo and three western urban prefectures amid scepticism it will be enough to curb a rapid coronavirus resurgence ahead of the Olympics in July.
Past state of emergency measures, issued a year ago and then in January, were toothless and authorised only non-mandatory requests. The government in February toughened a law on anti-virus measures stipulating that authorities could issue binding orders for nonessential businesses to shorten hours or close in exchange for compensation for those who comply and penalties for violators. Measures this time are to include shutdown orders for bars, department stores, malls, theme parks, as well as theatres and museums.
Carl Court/Getty Images
People wearing face masks while walking to work in Tokyo. Restaurants that do not serve alcohol and public transportation services are asked to finish early. Schools will stay open, but universities are asked to return to online classes.
Japan issues third COVID-19 emergency in Tokyo, Osaka area
Japan s third state of emergency since the pandemic began comes only a month after an earlier emergency ended in the Tokyo area.
Share Via Email
| A+A A- By Associated Press
TOKYO: Japan declared a third state of emergency for Tokyo and three western prefectures on Friday amid skepticism it will be enough to curb a rapid coronavirus resurgence ahead of the Olympics in July.
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced the emergency for Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo from April 25 through May 11.
Japan s third state of emergency since the pandemic began comes only a month after an earlier emergency ended in the Tokyo area.
Japan declared a third state of emergency for Tokyo and three western prefectures on Friday amid skepticism it will be enough to curb a rapid coronavirus resurgence ahead of the Olympics in July. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced the emergency for Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo from April 25 through May 11. Japan s third state of emergency since the pandemic began comes only a month after an earlier emergency ended in the Tokyo area. For days, experts and local leaders said ongoing semi-emergency measures have failed and tougher steps are urgently needed. Past emergency measures, issued a year ago and then in January, were toothless and authorized only non-mandatory requests. The government in February toughened a law on anti-virus measures to allow authorities to issue binding orders for nonessential businesses to shorten their hours or close, in exchange for compensation for those who comply and penalties for violators.