Japan widens coronavirus state of emergency as Tokyo Olympics approach

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has reiterated the Tokyo Olympics will go ahead as planned despite the country expanding its coronavirus state of emergency from six areas, including Tokyo, to nine.

As Japan struggles to contain the ongoing spread of the virus, Hiroshima, Okayama, and the northern island of Hokkaido - where the Olympic marathon will be held - have been added to an existing list of regions under a state of emergency.

"I understand there are various difficulties, but the priority is to stop the further spread of infections and protect the people’s lives and health," Suga said as part of Friday's announcement, courtesy of The Associated Press.

Tokyo, Osaka, and four other prefectures have already been placed under emergency coronavirus restrictions through May 31. Suga's declaration expanded the state of emergency for the second time in a week after the nation broadened its initial measures to six areas last Friday.

Tokyo and Osaka have been particularly hard hit, with positive cases increasing and COVID-19 sufferers filling hospitals despite government-imposed restrictions.

Hiroshima was scheduled to host International Olympic Committee Chairman Thomas Bach for the first leg of the torch relay before Japanese organizers canceled those plans last week.

Suga has been met with increased pressure from the public and a government panel of experts due to a glacial vaccine rollout, with many now vehemently opposing holding the games from July 23 to Aug. 8.

Less than 2% of Japan's population has been fully vaccinated, marking one of the world's least inoculated countries.

On Friday, Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike received a petition including more than 350,000 signatures demanding the Olympics' cancellation, stating money spent on hosting the quadrennial event would be better used on those experiencing financial hardships due to the pandemic.

Dr. Shigeru Omi, who chairs the government panel of experts, has demanded Suga scrutinize the risk Olympic athletes, coaches, and association members will thrust on the country's medical systems.

Japan reported 6,800 new coronavirus cases, raising the total to 665,547 with 11,255 deaths as of Thursday.