Tokyo, 12 prefs. to remain under COVID quasi-emergency until March 6

Japan on Thursday extended by three weeks until March 6, a COVID-19 quasi-state of emergency covering Tokyo and 12 prefectures as the nation scrambles to rein in infections caused by the highly contagious Omicron variant.The government also decided to add Kochi in western Japan, effective Saturday until March 6, to the quasi-emergency list, meaning that the measure will be in effect in 36 of the nation's 47 prefectures, amid growing worries about an additional strain on the health care system.It is unclear whether the measure for the other 22 areas, ending later this month, will be extended…READ FULL ARTICLE