Society

Tokyo to lift virus alert, ease more restrictions

Jun 11 (NHK) - The Tokyo metropolitan government is moving to lift its coronavirus alert and further ease restrictions on business operations.

Tokyo officials say 22 new infections were confirmed in the Japanese capital on Thursday. The source of infection was unknown for 10 of these cases.

These figures mean all three criteria have been cleared for lifting the "Tokyo alert," which was issued on June 2 because of signs of an increase in infections.

One of the criteria is that the daily average of newly confirmed cases during the past week is below 20.

Officials plan to seek expert advice before making a final decision, and easing restrictions from step two to three on Friday.

Step three allows restaurants and pubs to open until midnight, and karaoke parlors to resume business.

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