As new infection numbers are still riding high, the government has decided to keep the Covid-19 quasi-emergency measures in place for an additional three weeks. As reported by Kyodo News, the quasi-state of emergency will be maintained in Tokyo and 12 other prefectures until Sunday March 6.
The extension is expected as Tokyo continues to grapple with record high numbers of Covid-19 cases, brought on largely by the Omicron variant. Based on requests by prefectural governments, the extension affects the following prefectures:
- Aichi
- Chiba
- Gifu
- Gunma
- Kagawa
- Kanagawa
- Kumamoto
- Mie
- Miyazaki
- Nagasaki
- Niigata
- Saitama
- Tokyo
Additionally, the government also plans to add Kochi prefecture to the quasi-emergency list, putting a total of 36 prefectures under Covid-19 measures. Currently, it is not clear whether the quasi-emergency status in the other 22 prefectures will be extended.
In the meantime, the government is looking to ramp up the vaccine inoculation rate. The aim is to administer a million booster shots per day by the end of the month. For more details on how you can book your booster shot, see our guide here.
As of Thursday, Tokyo reported 18,891 confirmed cases of Covid-19.
More news
‘Drive My Car’ is the first Japanese film to be nominated for a Best Picture Oscar
5 all-you-can-eat deals in Tokyo you can enjoy right now
A spa resort designed by Kengo Kuma is opening in the Niigata mountains this April
Studio Ghibli teases the opening of Ghibli Park with a free official wallpaper
The giant Gundam in Yokohama will be staying for another year – until 2023
Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan.