Japan prefectures extend restrictions

TOKYO: A STATE of emergency was yesterday imposed in Japan’s Chiba, Kanagawa, Saitama and Osaka prefectures, joining Tokyo and Okinawa, due to a resurgence in Covid-19 cases.

The emergency period in Tokyo and Okinawa was also extended to August 31 from the originally planned August 22.

The Japanese government is planning to roll out standards for easing restrictions with the progress of vaccination of the population.

Under the state of emergency, establishments serving alcohol or offering karaoke services are asked to suspend their business and those not serving liquor are requested to close at 8pm.

The government would offer monetary compensation for compliance.