Japan Imposes New Virus Measures in Tokyo Ahead of Olympics

Japan Imposes New Virus Measures in Tokyo Ahead of Olympics
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announces that Tokyo, Kyoto and Okinawa will be applied for pre-emergency status under a new prevention law during a government task force meeting at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on April 9, 2021. Eugene Hoshiko/AP Photo
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TOKYO—Japan announced Friday that it will raise the coronavirus alert level in Tokyo to allow tougher measures to curb the rapid spread of a more contagious variant ahead of the Summer Olympics.

The raised status announced by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga will allow Tokyo’s governor to mandate shorter opening hours for bars and restaurants, along with punishments for violators and compensation for those who comply. The measures are to begin Monday and continue through May 11.