Japan will declare a state of emergency during the Tokyo Olympics

Japan will declare a Covid-19 state of emergency in Tokyo to operate during the Olympics.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga will hold a press conference on Thursday evening to announce the measures, as the prevalence of Delta variant promotes rapid spread of coronavirus infections.

The renewed state of emergency means the Tokyo public will be he was urged to stay home although the International Olympic Committee celebrates the world’s largest sporting event in its streets and stadiums.

The IOC has insisted that the Games must go ahead even in a state of emergency, but the statement is likely to lead to stricter restrictions for spectators. Tokyo 2020 will review its decision to authorize one maximum of 10,000 spectators, or 50 percent of total capacity, in stadiums before the end of the week.

Yasutoshi Nishimura, the minister responsible for Japan’s Covid-19 response, described the situation as a “race between vaccination and the spread of the Delta variant.” He said vaccinations would continue as soon as possible during the state of emergency.

After a slow start, that of Japan deployment of vaccines has picked up pace, but has given a first dose to just 27% of the audience, leaving one large pool of unvaccinated people among which Covid-19 can be extended.

On Wednesday, Tokyo reported 920 new cases of coronavirus, the highest daily figure since May 13. The number of cases has been rising since Japan lifted a previous state of emergency last month.

The new state of emergency will be the fourth in Tokyo, following statements prior to spring 2020, winter 2021 and spring 2021. Under previous restrictions, the public was asked to work from home when it was possible and restaurants were asked to close at eight in the evening.

Precise new curbs have not yet been announced. Japan has a constitutional right to free movement, so all restrictions are voluntary. Previous states of exception have been effective in reducing Covid-19 cases, but medical officials were concerned about declining compliance with standards and the high transmissibility of the Delta variant.

“The Delta variant is advancing rapidly and is responsible for 7% of cases nationwide and 14% in Tokyo,” said Health Minister Norihisa Tamura. “With the idea that we would like this to be the last round of emergency measures, we will continue vaccinations and address the coronavirus taking into account the wishes of the public.”

Okinawa will also remain in a state of emergency, but other major Japanese cities will not be covered by the restrictions, which should reduce the economic impact of the new measures.

“The economic recovery led by exports and manufacturing is unlikely to derail,” said Takeshi Yamaguchi, chief Japanese economist at Morgan Stanley in Tokyo, noting the smaller geographical scope of the new state of emergency. He added that households have adapted to online shopping.

However, there would be increased pressure for another round of fiscal stimulus, Yamaguchi argued, which could include more cash distributions to lower-income people.