Japan's government is set to declare a state of emergency for Tokyo due to a COVID-19 spike, a minister who heads the government's coronavirus response said Thursday, per Reuters.
Why it matters: It'll be in effect throughout the Olympics, confirmed Yasutoshi Nishimura, the economy minister, after a government meeting. The government will decide after talks with International Olympic Committee officials later Thursday whether to ban all spectators, which medical experts say could help slow the virus' spread, AP notes.
Of note: The declaration will run from July 12 to Aug 22 and is expected to be formally announced by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga later in the day.
- The Games are due to begin with the opening ceremony on July 23.
Flashback: International Olympic Committee Vice President John Coates said in May that the Tokyo Olympics will proceed even if the city or other parts of Japan are under a COVID-19 state of emergency.
By the numbers: Tokyo reported 920 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, which was the highest total since 1,010 were reported on May 13, according to ESPN.
- At least two Olympians, a coach and two Olympic staff members have tested positive for the coronavirus.
The big picture: Olympic organizers announced in June that venues can be filled up to 50% capacity with local fans with a maximum of 10,000 spectators at each event.
Go deeper ... Axios Today podcast: Controversy ahead of the Olympics