Japan to extend COVID-19 state of emergency

Tokyo and nine other prefectures to remain on high alert for another month

With daily new infections still high in Tokyo, restaurants have been requested to close at 8 p.m.

Nikkei staff writers

February 1, 2021 22:09 JST

TOKYO -- The Japanese government is planning to extend its COVID-19 state of emergency that is set to expire on Feb. 7 for another month to March 7 for all prefectures currently covered except one, Nikkei has learned.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga declared the emergency on Jan. 7 for the four prefectures of Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba, and added the seven prefectures of Osaka, Hyogo, Kyoto, Aichi, Gifu, Fukuoka and Tochigi on Jan. 13. Only Tochigi will be excluded from the extension.