Japan announced Tuesday that it is extending a coronavirus state of emergency in Tokyo and nine other areas through March 7.
Prime Minister Yoshihide Sugas announcement of the one-month extension comes amid growing uncertainty over the rollout of vaccines and the hosting of the Tokyo Olympics this summer.
Under the state of emergency, the government issued non-binding requests for people to avoid crowds and eating out in groups and for restaurants and bars to close by 8 p.m.
New cases have declined in Tokyo and nationwide since early January, but experts say hospitals remain flooded with serious cases and that preventive measures should remain in place.
Japan has had about 400,000 coronavirus cases, including 5,800 deaths.