Japan to extend COVID emergency through end of May

Formal decision expected on Friday, with Aichi and Fukuoka to be added

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Commuters shuffle across a street in Tokyo's Marunouchi business district on May 6 after the long Golden Week holidays. (Photo by Yo Inoue)

Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO -- Japan is preparing to extend the state of emergency in Tokyo and three prefectures until the end of May, as infections remain stubbornly high and hospitals face capacity limits.

Under the plan, the state of emergency, covering the capital and the greater Osaka region, will be expanded to include Aichi and Fukuoka Prefectures. The government will make a formal decision on Friday.

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