The current surge is concentrated in Tokyo-area Osaka, which has been under semi-emergency status since April 5.
Japan on Friday declared a third state of emergency for Tokyo amid a spike in coronavirus cases as the country hopes to host the Olympics without a hitch. The declaration, announced by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, also applies to Osaka — which has been under semi-emergency status since April 5 — as well as Kyoto and Hyogo, The Associated Press reports. The “short and intensive” state of emergency will be in effect from April 25 through May 11. The goal is for the move to halt traveling and the spread of COVID-19 during the country’s “Golden Week” holidays, said Suga, who is concerned about the quick spread four prefectures have seen from a new strain of the virus. “I sincerely apologize for causing trouble for many people again,” said the prime minister, who had previously vowed to do what he could to avoid declaring a third state of emergency.
