TOKYO -- Osaka's prefectural government on Tuesday officially asked the central government to impose a COVID-19 state of emergency for the third time in roughly a year, as the western metropolis battles a surge in infections that is straining its health system.
The measures, for the first time, could include asking some entertainment and commercial facilities to close altogether. This may involve restaurants and bars, department stores, theme parks, shopping malls and underground arcades, though the final decision on what should shut down would be made with the central government.
