JAPAN EXTENDS CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY UNTIL MONTH BEFORE OLYMPIC GAMES
TOKYO: Japan’s government on Friday extended a coronavirus emergency in Tokyo and other parts of the country until just a month before the Olympics, fuelling doubts about whether the Games can go ahead safely.
Organisers said they would now wait to make a decision on whether to allow local fans at the Games until the emergency ends on June 20, just weeks before the opening ceremony.
Overseas fans have already been barred, in an unprecedented decision as organisers battle to convince Japan’s sceptical public that the Games can go ahead and will be safe.
Japan has seen a comparatively small virus outbreak, with around 12,500 deaths, and has avoided tough lockdowns. But a fourth wave has prompted the government to put emergency measures in place in 10 regions including the capital.
The measures mostly limit the sale of alcohol in bars and restaurants and ask them to close early, while encouraging telework and capping audience numbers at events.
“The number of new cases has been declining since the middle of the month but the situation continues to be uncertain,” said Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, announcing the extension.
Experts fear lifting the restrictions too soon could create a surge in the run-up to the Games. The decision means Tokyo and nine other parts of the country will be under states of emergency until June 20, casting fresh doubt on the prospects for the pandemic-postponed Olympics. Opposition in Japan remains strong, with medical experts and business leaders calling for cancellation.