Japan is set to declare quasi-emergency measures in three regions to stem a Covid-19 surge that some officials have linked to US military bases in the country, Reuters reports.

It would mark the first such measures since September when Japan lifted emergency controls that had prevailed over the country for most of last year.

The plan was advanced by a government panel and health experts. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is likely to grant official approval later in the day.

Read more here.

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