Japan declares COVID emergency in Tokyo, mulls fan-free Olympics

On Jul 8, 2021

Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has declared a coronavirus state of emergency for Tokyo that will run through the city’s hosting of the Olympics, as organisers consider banning all spectators from the event.

Suga said on Thursday that the state of emergency would go in effect on Monday and last until August 22.

This means the Olympics, opening on July 23 and running until August 8, will be held entirely under emergency measures. (Al Jazeera)