Japan's state of emergency period to be extended as Covid-19 cases increase

A man with a face mask against the spread of the new coronavirus walks in front of Miraitowa and Someity, mascots for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics at a park in Tokyo on Tuesday (April 28). Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expanded a state of emergency to all of Japan from just Tokyo and other urban areas as the virus continues to spread. - AP

TOKYO: The Covid-19 (coronavirus) cases in Japan increased by 247 to 13,860, according to the latest figures from the health ministry and local authorities on Tuesday evening (April 28), leading to the concerns that the government may extend the state of emergency period beyond the deadline May 6.

Tokyo recorded 112 new infections. In northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido, 38 new cases were recorded and Osaka confirmed 32 new infections.