Tokyo COVID-19 Cases Rise for 15 Consecutive Days... Possible State of Emergency Declaration During Olympics

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] With less than 20 days remaining until the opening of the Olympics, the spread of COVID-19 in Japan is becoming serious. Accordingly, there is a possibility that a COVID-19 state of emergency may be declared during the Olympic period.

According to NHK on the 5th, the number of new COVID-19 cases in Japan was identified as 1,485 by 6:30 PM the previous day. This is 15.8% (203 cases) higher compared to a week ago. Among these, 518 new cases were confirmed in Tokyo, the Olympic host city.

Japan’s cumulative confirmed cases have increased to 807,402. The death toll also rose by 5 to reach 14,860.

The number of confirmed cases in Tokyo, the Olympic host city, has been on an increasing trend for 15 consecutive days from the 20th of last month to this day, with 4,074 new cases added in the past week. The increase rate expanded by 21.9% (732 cases) compared to the previous week.

With the Olympic opening ceremony scheduled for the 23rd, the COVID-19 infection situation is worsening.

According to Kyodo News, a Japanese government official stated that the government is in final coordination to extend the application of the “Priority Measures to Prevent Spread,” a step below a state of emergency, to four metropolitan areas including Tokyo, Saitama, Kanagawa, and Chiba prefectures after the 12th.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is expected to make a final decision on this matter on the 7th and formally announce it at the COVID-19 task force meeting on the 8th.

The priority measures are being discussed for an extension of about one month.

The Japanese government is strongly considering reducing the maximum number of spectators allowed in stadiums, previously set at 10,000, to 5,000, and holding large-scale events such as baseball, soccer, and athletics with no spectators if more than 5,000 tickets have been sold.

Authorities have not denied the possibility of declaring a state of emergency during the Olympics.

Norihisa Tamura, Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, appeared on the satellite broadcast BS Asahi on the same day and responded regarding the possibility of declaring a COVID-19 state of emergency in Tokyo and other areas during the Olympic period, saying, “The health and lives of the people are important, so it is naturally possible.”

He expressed the view that “If a state of emergency is declared again in Tokyo, it is naturally assumed that events will be held without spectators,” and that “consultations will be held with the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Organizing Committee and Tokyo Metropolitan Government.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.