Fears measures could imperil Games
OLYMPICS
TOKYO: Japan is considering extending a coronavirusspurred state of emergency in the capital, Tokyo, and other major urban areas, sources said yesterday, a move that could cast doubt on the planned Summer Olympics.
Officials were leaning towards an extension of the measures in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo prefectures beyond May 11 as the country battles a surge in Covid19 cases, three sources said.
The Government may make an official decision as early as tomorrow.
The Yomiuri newspaper earlier reported that an extension of the state of emergency was likely.
Extending the measures, which were imposed on April 25, would likely fan persistent concerns about whether the Tokyo Olympics, scheduled to begin on July 23, can be held as planned.
The games have already been delayed once from last year due to the pandemic. The city of Sapporo, on the northern island of Hokkaido, hosted a halfmarathon test event yesterday.
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga was to meet senior ministers last night to discuss an extension, the Yomiuri reported.
One proposal that has emerged is an extension until the end of the month.
The governor of Osaka Prefecture said an extension of three weeks to a month may be necessary, according to domestic media.
Calls to Suga’s office were not answered. International Olympic
Committee president Thomas Bach is expected to visit Japan later this month, but an extension of the state of emergency could prompt renewed calls from the public to cancel the games.
Under the state of emergency in Tokyo and other urban areas, the government required restaurants, bars, and karaoke parlours serving alcohol to close. Large department stores and cinemas were also closed, while spectators were banned from big sporting events.
It was uncertain whether the Government will loosen any of the operating restrictions on the services sector, Yomiuri said. — Reuters