TOKYO — Surging COVID-19 cases in Tokyo have hit a two-month high that almost guarantees the Japanese government will declare a new state of emergency to start next week and continue for the duration of the Olympics.
International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach is scheduled to arrive in Tokyo on Thursday, when he will be greeted by the rising cases as he self-isolates for three days in the IOC’s five-star hotel in the capital.
A new state of emergency could lead to a ban even on local fans. That decision is expected Friday, when local organizers meet with the IOC and others.