JAPAN is considering extending a coronavirus-spurred state of emergency in the capital, Tokyo, and other major urban areas, sources said yesterday, a move that could cast doubt on the planned Summer Olympics.
Extending the measures, which were imposed on April 25, would likely fan persistent concerns about whether the Tokyo Olympics, scheduled to begin on July 23, can be held as planned.
One proposal that has emerged is an extension until the end of the month, according to two of the sources.
International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach is expected to visit Japan later this month, but a longer state of emergency could prompt renewed calls from the public to cancel the games.
Under the restrictions in Tokyo and other urban areas, the government has required restaurants, bars, and karaoke…