Japan extends coronavirus state of emergency with safe Olympics at stake

A man wearing a mask to help protect against the spread of the coronavirus walks near banners promoting the Tokyo Olympic Games Tuesday, May 25, 2021, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Japan has extended a coronavirus state of emergency in Tokyo and other areas by 20 days, with infections still not slowing as it prepares to host the Olympics in just over 50 days.

Cases remain high and medical systems in Osaka, the hardest-hit area in western Japan, are still overburdened, prime minister Yoshihide Suga said in announcing the decision.