Japan is declaring a state of emergency in three more prefectures hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest declaration comes as Japan grapples with a surge of a more infectious virus strain just 10 weeks before the Tokyo Olympics are due to start on 23 July.<br />'' <br />''Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, who is also in charge of virus countermeasures, said today that, Hokkaido, Okayama and Hiroshima will join Tokyo, Osaka and four other prefectures on Sunday under a state of emergency until 31 May.<br />'' <br />''With an eye on the economy, the government had originally proposed a more targeted quasi-emergency declaration for five additional prefectures.<br />'' <br />''The latest measures bring 19 of Japan's 47 prefectures, home to about 70 per cent of the population, under curbs such as an 8 pm closing deadline for eateries and a ban on alcohol at most bars and restaurants.<br />''<br />''Experts say medical resources are being pushed to the brink, while Japan's inoculation drive has been the slowest among advanced nations, with just 3 per cent of the population vaccinated.<br />'' <br />''The state of emergency in Tokyo and elsewhere would run through this month, leaving fewer than two months until the Olympics.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">Nishimura repeated the government's stance that it would do its utmost to contain the pandemic to be able to hold a safe and secure Games.</span><br />