The government of Osaka prefecture has formally requested the cancellation of the passage of the Olympic torch, scheduled in the city next week. Yesterday, the government issued a semi-state of emergency on the Covid-19 pandemic in Osaka and two other prefectures amid fears of a new wave of coronavirus.
Osaka governor Hirofumi Yoshimura said local government officials were in talks with the organizing committee for alternative solutions. The city confirmed 142 new infections yesterday after reporting over 240 new cases daily for the fifth consecutive day.
