Download
Japan to extend COVID-19 state of emergency in 9 prefectures
Updated 19:19, 27-May-2021
CGTN
A woman rides a bicycle past a banner for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games Wednesday, May 26, 2021, in Tokyo. /CFP

A woman rides a bicycle past a banner for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games Wednesday, May 26, 2021, in Tokyo. /CFP

The Japanese government has decided to extend the state of emergency in nine prefectures, including Tokyo and Osaka, to June 20, broadcaster NHK reported on Thursday.

Concerns remain rife about the safety of the 2020 Olympics, postponed for a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, amid struggles to control a fourth wave of infections and sluggish vaccine rollout.

Just over five percent of the Japanese population has been vaccinated, and the country has recorded about 719,000 infections and 12,394 deaths.

(With input from Reuters)

Search Trends