by A.P.
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga: “The situation has become increasingly troubling nationwide and we have a strong sense of crisis”; a decision on whether the rescheduled Olympics goes ahead is expected in the spring
Japan has declared a one-month state of emergency for Tokyo and three nearby prefectures, following a dramatic rise in coronavirus cases.
It comes just six months before the postponed Olympic Games are due to get underway.
Tokyo has seen record daily cases for two consecutive days and there are now concerns about the new strain, which appears to be far more transmissible.