TOKYO – Japan expanded a coronavirus state of emergency for seven more prefectures Wednesday, affecting more than half the population amid a surge in infections across the country.Prime Minister Yoshide Suga also said Japan will suspend fast-track business entry permits, fully banning foreign visitors while the state of emergency is in place.Suga's announcement comes less than a week after he declared a state of emergency for Tokyo and three nearby prefectures.
The new declaration, which adds seven other prefectures in western and central Japan, takes effect Thursday and lasts until Feb.
7. The government is asking bars and restaurants in Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Fukuoka, Aichi, Gifu and Tochigi prefectures to close by 8 p.m., employers to have.