Japan widens coronavirus emergency for 7 more areas as cases surge

TOKYO: Japan expanded a coronavirus state of emergency for seven more prefectures Wednesday, affecting more than half the population as infections spread across the country.
Prime Minister Yoshide Suga’s announcement comes less than a week after his Jan. 7 emergency declaration for Tokyo and three nearby prefectures. The new declaration adds seven other prefectures in western and central Japan.
The measure, which focuses on requests for bars and restaurants to close at 8p.m. and for people to avoid nonessential outings, takes effect Thursday and lasts until Feb. 7.