Tokyo, Okinawa state of emergency until Aug 22

A fourth state of emergency has come into effect in Tokyo and Okinawa Prefecture on Monday in an effort to curb virus infection cases in the capital, with the Olympics starting in less than two weeks.

The state of emergency will last until August 22. This means the Olympics, opening on July 23 and running through to August 8, will be held entirely under emergency measures.

The main focus of the emergency is a request for bars, restaurants and karaoke parlours serving alcohol to close.

A ban on serving alcohol is a key step to tone down Olympic-related festivities and to stop people from drinking and partying.

Tokyo residents are expected to face stay-home requests and watch the games on TV at home.