Japan declares new state of emergency after worst Covid-19 spike since January

Japan entered its third state of emergency on April 25, 2021, in an effort to bring the country's largest spike in Covid-19 cases and hospitalisations since January under control. New restrictions were imposed in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo prefectures from April 25 to May 11. Large shops, establishments serving alcohol and cinemas have been closed. While people have been asked to work from home, schools remain open. The order comes ahead of “golden week”, one of Japan’s largest public holidays that normally sees extensive travel. It is also happening three months before the start of the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which Japan says it is determined to carry forward.