Tokyo enters state of emergency with restrictions

Tokyo has officially entered a state of emergency period lasting until August 22 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the restrictions here due to last for the duration of the upcoming Olympic Games.

Tokyo had been under a quasi-state of emergency since June 20, which puts fewer restriction on businesses.

An increase in new COVID-19 cases and concerns over new variants led to the decision to place the capital back in a state of emergency.

The Japanese Government admitted it was hoping to restrict people travelling during the summer break and the Bon holidays until vaccinations rose further.

The state of emergency led to the Government confirming last week that all spectators would be banned from all stadiums and venues in Tokyo.

There had been hopes that up to 10,000 domestic spectators would have been able to attend select events at the Games, but the multi-sport event will now largely take place behind closed doors.

Japan reported over 2,400 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday (July 10), with 950 recorded in Tokyo.

Nearly 17 per cent of the Japanese population have been fully vaccinated.

Vaccine Minister Taro Kono said last week that the country was hoping to have finished vaccinating the elderly by the end of July.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics are scheduled to open on July 23 and close on August 8.

The hotel has apologised for a "misunderstanding" and claimed it did not intend to discriminate against foreign people, claiming the intention was to separate Olympic stakeholders from general guests.