The Japanese government will put Wakayama Prefecture under a quasi-state of emergency amid a surge in coronavirus cases. This will take the number of prefectures under the quasi-emergency measures to 35.

The tighter anti-coronavirus measures for the western prefecture will come into force on Saturday and will be in place through February 27.

Restaurants and bars across the prefecture will be asked to reduce their business hours.

Establishments certified by the prefectural government as taking anti-virus measures will be able to choose whether to continue serving alcohol or not.

Those that opt to serve alcoholic beverages will be asked to stop serving them by 8:00 p.m. and close at 9:00 p.m. Other certified establishments will be asked to close at 8:00 p.m.

Non-certified businesses will be asked to close at 8:00 p.m. without serving alcoholic beverages.

People who eat or drink together will be limited to four per table.

Wakayama officials are also demanding that thorough anti-infection measures be taken at live events.

Organizers of events with over 1,000 spectators will be required to submit their schedule to the prefectural government in advance. If the crowd size exceeds 5,000, they will additionally have to file a detailed safety plan and a post-event report.