News
| Jan 3, 2021

Tokyo reports 816 new COVID-19 cases as governors push for state of emergency

/ Our Today

administrator
Reading Time: 2 minutes
A medical worker wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) works in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients at St. Marianna Medical University Hospital in Kawasaki, south of Tokyo. Picture taken May 4, 2020. (Photo: REUTERS/Issei Kato)

(Reuters)

Tokyo reported 816 new daily coronavirus cases on Sunday (January 3), a day after governors from the capital and neighbouring prefectures called on the Japanese government to announce a state of emergency to combat a recent surge in cases.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has resisted calls for a second national state of emergency; the government first introduced that measure in April during an earlier wave of the pandemic. Suga is scheduled to speak publicly on Monday, January 4.

Japan’s economy minister told reporters on Saturday the government needed to consult with health experts before deciding on a new declaration.

As an interim measure, restaurants and karaoke parlours in the Tokyo area are being asked to close at 8:00 pm, while businesses that serve alcohol should close at 7:00 pm, he said.

Less than usual passengers are seen inside a train after the government announced the state of emergency for the capital following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Tokyo back in April 2020. (Photo: REUTERS/Issei Kato)

The previous state of emergency relied on voluntary business closings and travel restrictions rather than the sort of rigid lockdown measures seen elsewhere in the world.

Tokyo raised its COVID-19 alert to its highest level on December 17. New infections in the capital hit a record 1,337 on December 31.

Japan’s health ministry said on Sunday there were 3,045 new confirmed cases of the new coronavirus across the country.

Since the start of the pandemic, Japan has reported more than 240,000 cases of the novel coronavirus and 3,548 deaths, according to the health ministry.

Tags
Coronavirus Pandemic coronavirus third wave Japan Novel Coronavirus Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga state of emergency Tokyo

Comments

What To Read Next

News JAM Apr 14, 2026

NWC provides update on pipeline restoration works in Trelawny

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe National Water Commission (NWC) is advising customers in sections of Salt Marsh in Trelawny that restoration works on the affected pipeline network are progressing steadily following damage sustained during recent weather events.

The Commission notes that concerns regarding the integrity of sections of the pipeline were identified prior to the passage of Hurricane Melissa. Subsequent post-event assessments confirmed that approximately 3 kilometres of pipeline infrastructure were significantly impacted, necessitating extensive rehabilitation works. It is worth noting that while the substantial part of Martha Brae- Salt Marsh area has been restored, more time and resources is necessary to restore pockets of the network such as this one.
News JAM Apr 14, 2026

JCF to restrict firearms at entertainment events after shooting at Carnival party

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) says restrictions on firearms at entertainment venues will soon be implemented as part of measures to strengthen public safety, following a shooting incident at a post-Carnival event in St Andrew on Sunday night.

Three people were shot and injured during the Big Wall Revolution event at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, including popular podcaster Jhaedee Richards, also known as “Jaii Frais”, a United States citizen and a member of dancehall artist 450’s entourage.