Japan's government is expected to widen a virus state of emergency, just 10 weeks before the Tokyo Olympics, as campaigners submitted a petition with more than 350,000 signatures urging the Games be scrapped.
With Tokyo and other areas already under emergency orders until the end of May, three more regions - including northern Hokkaido, which will host the Olympic marathon - are set to join them.
The widening emergency, aimed at combating a fourth wave which is putting Japan's medical system under strain, comes with public opinion firmly opposed to holding the Games this summer, fearing further infections.