Japan has declared a new state of emergency for the crisis caused by the coronavirus. The government’s decision, to try to curb the increase in infections, comes when there are only three months to go until the Olympic Games. This is the third state of emergency since the beginning of the Covid pandemic: it will concern Tokyo and three western prefectures, namely Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogoe and will be in force from April 25 to May 11.

An attempt to stem the surge in infections and save the July Olympics at the last minute. The announcement comes just a month after a previous state of emergency in the Tokyo area ended. After the law that sets measures against Covid-19 was strengthened in February, this time the authorities can issue binding orders to reduce the opening hours of shops or close them, with compensation for those who comply with the rules and fines for those who violates them.

The Japanese premier, Yoshihide Suga, made it clear that the state of emergency is also necessary because the Golden Week is approaching, which runs from April 29 to May 5: it is a period of celebration and an opportunity for family reunions. , which at this time are considered dangerous.