TOKYO -- Japan is set to allow the governors of three prefectures, including Okinawa, to enact restrictions on social activities as community spread of the omicron variant of COVID-19 becomes more prevalent, the government announced on Thursday.
"In consideration of the rapid spread of the omicron strain, the countermeasures will be strengthened," Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters. "Further measures, such as suspending the serving of alcoholic beverages, are possible at the discretion of the governor."