Japan extends coronavirus state of emergency in Tokyo and other areas

People wearing face masks to protect against the spread of coronavirus walk on a street in Tokyo (Koji Sasahara/AP)

Japan announced it is extending a coronavirus state of emergency in Tokyo and 18 other areas until the end of September as health care systems remain under severe strain, although new infections have slowed slightly.

The country’s prime minister Yoshihide Suga said serious cases remain high and are still overwhelming many hospitals.