The Japanese government has declared a state of emergency in Tokyo, heightening the possibility of the Olympics being held without spectators.
On Wednesday, Tokyo confirmed 920 COVID-19 cases, the highest number since May 13.
Since April 2020, it has issued four COVID emergency decrees.
On June 20, the government revoked Tokyo’s prior state of emergency. Since then, the city has been in a “quasi” state of emergency, which is set to end on Sunday.
Another state of emergency is anticipated to be declared from July 12 to August 20, lasting through the Tokyo Olympics.
If the quasi-emergency is extended, the municipal government has asked the central government to tighten its infection control efforts, such as suspending alcohol sales in restaurants.
If a proclamation is issued during the Olympics, which begin on July 23, events will be held without spectators, according to Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.
The International Olympic Committee and the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics organizing committee had set a limit of 10,000 spectators at large venues.
Both parties will meet soon to determine how they will respond to the state of emergency.
