Tokyo intriduces state of emergency due to pandemic

Tokyo introduced a state of emergency until August 22 due to the growing spread of the novel coronavirus, Report informs via TASS.

At the same time, the southern prefecture of Okinawa extended the state of emergency introduced earlier.

According to the Japanese Health Ministry, 920 infection cases were registered in Tokyo on Wednesday, 206 cases more than a week ago. The last time the Japanese capital recorded more than 900 cases was May 13.

Tokyo had imposed a state of emergency until June 20 and then applied strict restrictions until July 11 to curb the virus spread. Such measures are slightly milder than the emergency regime, but, in both cases, restaurants, bars, and entertainment establishments are supposed to limit the opening hours and the sale of alcohol.

Earlier, the organizers of the Tokyo Olympic Games, scheduled for July 23, stated that local spectators might not be allowed to attend the events if a state of emergency is introduced.