Japan declares COVID-19 state of emergency in Tokyo, Osaka region

TOKYO - Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Friday declared a state of emergency over COVID-19 in the national capital Tokyo and the western prefectures of Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo.

The state of emergency, the third of its kind declared in the Asian country, will take effect from Sunday to May 11.

The emergency state is aimed at curbing a surge in COVID-19 cases during the upcoming Golden Week holidays.

"We must take strong measures in a focused manner while many people are on break during Golden Week to bring the virus under control," Suga said.

Stricter restrictions such as asking restaurants and bars not to serve alcohol and shutting down major commercial facilities will be put in place.

Meanwhile, eating establishments will be asked to close by 8:00 p.m. while those serving alcohol or providing karaoke services will be asked to close completely.

Although the state of emergency will not entail a complete lockdown like those imposed in some other countries, spectators will be banned from large events while train and bus operators will be asked to end services earlier on weeknights, with reduced operation of transportation on weekends and holidays.

Major commercial facilities such as department stores and shopping malls will also be asked to be closed, only leaving sections selling daily necessities open.