Japan to extend COVID emergency until just a month before Olympics

New infection rates and strain on hospitals remain high despite weeks of restrictions

20210524 SOE Shibuya

The state of emergency in Tokyo and other prefectures could be extended until June 20 as Japan's hospitals remain stressed. 

Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO -- Japan is poised to extend the current state of emergency until June 20, as hospitals in Tokyo, Osaka and other regions remain overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients.

The formal decision will come after government officials hear the opinions of experts on Friday.

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