Prognosis

Japan Shuts Tokyo Bars, Bans Sports Fans in New Virus Emergency

Infections rise in metro areas as Tokyo Olympics draw near
Government to provide $4.6 bln to businesses hurt by measures

Pedestrians cross a street in Tokyo on April 18.
Photographer: Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP/Getty Images

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By Isabel Reynolds and Lisa Du

April 22, 2021 at 11:14 PM UTC

Updated on

April 23, 2021 at 12:43 PM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga declared a new state of emergency running from Sunday to May 11 in Tokyo, Osaka and two other prefectures, imposing some of the toughest measures yet to control a surge in virus cases.

Suga told reporters Friday night the country needs to take strong actions as it heads into a string of holidays in late April and early May, known as “Golden Week,” a peak travel season. He also said the government will earmark 500 billion yen ($4.6 billion) to help businesses hurt by the restrictions.