Japan Expands State Of Emergency, Public Cools To Olympics

TOKYO: Japan expanded a state of emergency declared for the Tokyo area last week to seven more prefectures on Wednesday amid a steady rise in COVID-19 cases, while a survey by public broadcaster NHK showed most people want to cancel or delay the Summer Olympics.

The move comes after the governors of Osaka, Kyoto and other hard-hit prefectures requested the government announce the emergency, which gives local authorities the legal basis to place restrictions on residents’ movements and businesses.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has been wary about taking measures that would hamper economic activity, while he has put on a brave face against the mounting challenges of hosting the delayed Olympics in Tokyo this year.