Japan to widen coronavirus curbs, casting fresh doubt on Olympics

A man walks in the Dotonbori area of Osaka, Japan, as record numbers of new Covid-19 infections were reported in the city in recent days.

Japan is set to expand quasi-emergency measures to 10 regions on Friday as a fourth wave of Covid-19 cases spreads, casting more doubt on whether the Summer Olympics can be held in Tokyo in less than 100 days. Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura told reporters the government was considering adding Aichi, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba to six other prefectures already under the orders, including the cities of Tokyo and Osaka. A final decision is expected on Friday afternoon. Japan's top health experts have acknowledged that the Covid-19 pandemic has entered a fourth wave.