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Japan’s Cabinet formalized a decision on May 7, 2021, to extend the nationwide COVID-19 state of emergency for Tokyo and other major urban areas. The measure, originally set to expire on May 11, will now run through May 31. This extension was made with the aim of curbing the resurgence of coronavirus infections across the country, particularly ahead of the Tokyo Olympics scheduled to begin on July 23.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga confirmed the decision, stating that Tokyo and nine other prefectures will remain under or be newly added to the emergency measure. The state of emergency had been in effect in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hyogo prefectures since late April, and was expanded to Aichi and Fukuoka prefectures the previous Wednesday. From the upcoming Wednesday, Hokkaido, Miyagi, Gifu, Mie, Okayama, and Hiroshima prefectures are also set to be included in the emergency declaration.

The government’s decision to extend the emergency comes as the pace of new infections has not slowed as much as anticipated, and medical systems in many areas remain under strain. Measures under the state of emergency include restrictions on business operations for restaurants, bars, and large shopping facilities. Residents are also requested to refrain from nonessential outings. Stronger border control measures, requiring a 10-day quarantine period for all arrivals from certain countries and regions, will also be implemented.

In addition to the state of emergency, three other prefectures—Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa—will be placed under a quasi-state of emergency from Sunday through May 31. This measure allows prefectural governors to implement targeted restrictions more flexibly.

Despite the ongoing pandemic and the extension of emergency measures, Prime Minister Suga reiterated his commitment to holding a “safe and secure” Tokyo Olympics. The decision has drawn criticism from opposition parties regarding the slow pace of the country’s vaccine rollout, while some business leaders have expressed concerns, advocating for a limited and short-term emergency.

Key Points

* Decision Date: May 7, 2021
* Emergency Extension End Date: May 31
* Original Emergency End Date: May 11
* Tokyo Olympics Start Date: July 23
* Prefectures under State of Emergency: Tokyo and nine other prefectures (specifically listed as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Aichi, Fukuoka, Hokkaido, Miyagi, Gifu, Mie, Okayama, Hiroshima)
* Prefectures under Quasi-State of Emergency: Three (Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa)
* Quasi-State of Emergency Start Date: Sunday (relative to May 7, 2021)
* Quasi-State of Emergency End Date: May 31

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