Apr 25, 2021 - Health

Japan launches targeted state of emergency in attempt to stop COVID surge

Rebecca Falconer

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is shown on outdoor screens during a press conference as he declares a state of emergency over COVID-19 in Tokyo, Japan on April 23 — Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is shown on outdoor screens in Tokyo during a Friday press conference as he declares a state of emergency over COVID-19 in Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo and Japan's capital. Photo: Christopher Jue/Xinhua via Getty Images

Bars, department stores and theaters across Japan closed for 17 days Sunday, after Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga declared a state of emergency for Tokyo and three other prefectures in an attempt to curb surging COVID-19 cases.

Why it matters: In less than three months, Tokyo is due to host the summer Olympics — which have already been delayed by a year due to the pandemic. This is the third state of emergency declared in Japan since the pandemic began.

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Japan launches targeted state of emergency in attempt to stop COVID surge

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