Coronavirus outbreak updates: Jan. 2, 2021

As of 9 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 2

• Festivals allow people to escape their everyday lives and experience the color and cultures of the world without having to travel. In 2020, however, such opportunities were limited by the coronavirus pandemic.
  
  
• The Japanese prime minister and International Olympic Committee chief promised the Tokyo Games will demonstrate the world is winning the war against the coronavirus pandemic. But is it really a good idea to go ahead with the Olympics?
  
  
• The government will consider whether to declare another state of emergency over the novel coronavirus, a minister said Saturday, following a request from the governors of Tokyo and three neighboring prefectures where a resurgence of infections has strained the medical system.

As of 10 p.m., Friday, Jan. 1

• Tokyo reported 783 new coronavirus infections on the first day of the new year Friday, with the Japanese capital continuing to see a high increase in cases amid growing concerns about the medical system.
  
  
• Eleven members of the Arashio sumo stable have tested positive for the novel coronavirus following the infection of top-division wrestler Wakatakakage, the Japan Sumo Association said Friday.
  
  
• Japanese business leaders pledged Friday to revive the country's economy dented by the novel coronavirus pandemic this year through digital and sustainable innovation.
  
  
• Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Friday said the government will do everything in its power to bring the novel coronavirus under control and pledged to push forward with preparations for this summer's Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.
  
  
• Japanese Emperor Naruhito thanked medical staff involved in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic in his New Year video address broadcast Friday, bringing attention to the burden frontline health care workers are bearing as infections surge in major centers.