TOKYO — Japan's government on Tuesday expanded a coronavirus state of
emergency to seven more regions as it battles a record wave of infections a
week before the
Paralympic Games.
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Virus emergency measures that ban restaurants and bars from selling alcohol
and require them to close by 8pm are already in place in Tokyo and five other
regions, and had been due to end by August 31.
But Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said the measure would be expanded to
additional areas, with the restrictions in all parts of the country running
until September 12.
"We are seeing unprecedented growth in infections continuing in our
country. The number of patients with serious symptoms is increasing," Suga
told a meeting of ministers and government officials.
"The government will form a united front to overcome this crisis and
take thorough measures to save people's lives and keep them safe."
In addition to the measures affecting bars and restaurants, the government
will ask large shopping malls and department stores to limit the number of
customers inside at one time.
Japan has seen a smaller outbreak than many other countries, with around
15,400 deaths despite avoiding lockdowns.
But its inoculation program began later and more slowly than in many other
developed countries, and only around 37 percent of the population is fully
vaccinated.
In recent days, Japan has reported more than 20,000 daily cases nationwide,
a record for the country.
The surge began before the
Olympics opened last month and continued
throughout the Games, which were held with spectators banned from most events.
On Monday night, organizers said a spectator ban would also be applied to
the Paralympics, with limited exceptions for a program bringing schoolchildren
to watch the Games.
Paralympic participants face virus restrictions including regular testing
and limits on their movement.
The government says there is no evidence that holding the Games contributed
to the rise in cases and recent polls have found most Japanese believe holding
the Olympics was a good idea, though many also think it fueled the infection
surge.
Some experts argue that the massive international event undermined the
government's virus restrictions, encouraging people to go out and businesses to
remain open.
Local media reports have estimated up to 40 percent of bars and restaurants
in some parts of Tokyo are flouting the virus rules.
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