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Japan to extend state of emergency to curb COVID-19 ahead of Olympics

Japan will extend the COVID-19 state of emergency in Tokyo and other areas so that the Olympics can be held safely.

The extension of the emergency is necessary because people are taking to the streets, especially in Tokyo and Osaka, when they should be doing the opposite.

The current state of emergency in the capital and eight other areas was set to end next Monday, but hospitals are still overwhelmed with coronavirus patients and cases are rising, AP reports.

The proposal for a 20-day extension in nine areas has received approval from the Japanese government as well as experts.