Japan considering extending COVID quasi-emergency in Tokyo, 9 prefs.

Japan is considering extending the COVID-19 quasi-state of emergency once again for Tokyo and nine prefectures beyond the scheduled end date of March 6, government sources said Sunday.With more than half of hospital beds for COVID-19 patients continuing to be filled in those areas, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will ask prefectural governors about local pandemic situations and consult with health experts before making a decision on the extension by about two weeks, they said.Earlier in the month, Kishida said his government may possibly lift the measures before March 6 if the pace of the Omi…READ FULL ARTICLE