Ahead of Olympics, Tokyo COVID-19 cases highest since May

A state of emergency in Tokyo just before the Games on July 23 would mean Olympic officials abandon plans to have local spectators or lower capacities at venues.

Authorities are considering emergency measures as COVID-19 cases surge in the capital city ahead of the Games.

Tokyo is reporting 920 new COVID-19 cases, the highest since mid-May, two weeks ahead of the Olympics.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga held a meeting with key ministers to discuss coronavirus measures.

Suga noted Tokyo's upsurge and vowed "to do everything we can to prevent the further spread of the infections”. Suga says he'll make a final decision on reinstating the state of emergency on Thursday after consulting with a panel of experts.

A state of emergency in Tokyo just before the Games on July 23 would mean Olympic officials abandon plans to have local spectators or lower capacities at venues.

READ : Tokyo Olympics Full Schedule and Time Table in July 2021

Dr. Shigeru Omi, a top government medical adviser, urged authorities to quickly take tough measures ahead of the Olympics and summer vacations when many people tend to be more active.

"The period from July to September is the most critical time for Japan's COVID-19 measures," he says.

Only 15 per cent of the Japanese are fully vaccinated. Japan has reported about 810,000 cases and nearly 14,900 deaths.