The spread of a tougher variant of the coronavirus in areas near Tokyo has thrown fresh doubt on whether the Olympics can go ahead.
As a result, Japan decided to raise the alert level in the capital’s three neighbouring sectors and a fourth area in the country yesterday.
The government approved the alert status for Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba prefectures in the capital region and Aichi in central Japan.
The measure will allow heads of those areas to mandate shorter hours for bars and restaurants, along with punishments for violators and compensation for those who comply.
The measures are to begin on Monday and continue through to May 11 after the end of Japan’s “golden week” holidays.
Experts have warned that the variant of the virus spreading now is more contagious and could also cause serious cases among younger people.
The surge has also prompted concern about hosting the Tokyo Olympics from July 23 to August 8.
On Thursday, a top ruling politician said there was a possibility the Games could be cancelled.
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