Japan Expands Virus Emergency Ahead of Tokyo Olympics
By admin - June 23, 2021

Things have been a bit rough for Japan when it comes to Covid. With the Olympics starting in just over 2 months, it’s important to get a handle on the situation. Here are the highlights:

  • The coronavirus state of emergency in Japan has expanded to nine areas to keep things more stable. Still, with this happening, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s government is determined to hold the Olympics in just 2 months
  • It’s been tough for Japan when it comes to slowing the spread of the virus. Three areas added to the state of emergency include Hokkaido (where the Olympic marathon will be held), as well as Hiroshima and Okayama. 
  • This is to go at least until May 31. Bars, karaoke parlors, and most entertainment facilities that do no close will be fine. Business owners who follow through with the closure will be compensated.
  • Suga’s decision is based on the infection rates climbing in populated areas. 
  • Not to mention, his government is under tremendous pressure because the public is frustrated from the constant emergency declaration and slow vaccine distribution.
  • A lot of people oppose hosting the Olympics for the set time, and they appear to be less cooperative with the stay-at-home initiative and social distancing measures.
  • With less than 2% of the public fully vaccinated, the state of emergency expansion brings a shift to a more stringent plan.
  • There’s also been a petition with over 350,000 signatures demanding that the Olympics be canceled. Instead of money spent on the games, people believe that it should be sent to people in dire financial situations as a result of the pandemic.