A countdown clock showing that there are still 100 days until the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which have been postponed until 2021 due to the coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19), is reflected in a pond in Tokyo, Japan , April 14, 2021. REUTERS / Issei Kato
Japan is set to extend quasi-emergency measures to 10 regions on Friday as a fourth wave of COVID-19 cases spread, questioning whether the Summer Olympics could take place in Tokyo.
Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura told reporters that the government is considering adding Aichi, Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba to six other prefectures already under command, including in Tokyo and Osaka metropolitans. A final decision is expected on Friday afternoon.
Top Japanese health experts have acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic has entered a fourth wave.
Daily cases in Osaka reached a record 1,208 on Thursday, caused by a British virulent strain of the virus. New infections have risen to 729 in Tokyo, most since early February, when most of the nation was in a state of emergency.
A senior ruling party official said on Thursday that canceling this year’s Olympics remains an option if the coronavirus situation becomes too serious. Read more
A reduced flashlight relay is already in place. Overseas fans have been excluded from the Games, and officials say local fans could also be kept at a distance. Read more
The quasi-state of emergency allows local governments to order bars and restaurants to reduce their hours and impose fines on those who do not comply. A state of complete emergency has been declared twice in Japan during the pandemic.
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