Five Things You Need to Know to Start Your Day

Americans told to avoid travel to Japan. Concerns about Asia’s recovery deepen as vaccination pace lags. The EU discusses more sanctions on Belarus after it forced a passenger jet to land. Here's what you need to know to start your day.

The U.S. said Americans should avoid traveling to Japan, with the country under a state of emergency over a widening Covid-19 outbreak that has sown doubts about Tokyo’s plans to host the Olympics in less than two months. The action is a fresh blow to a country struggling to convince its own public and the international community that it’s ready to host the Games. Meanwhile, organizers will decide next month whether or not to allow any spectators watch the events. Barring domestic fans would deliver a significant financial blow.