Japan is set to extend its state of emergency in Tokyo and other regions till September 12 and widen curbs to seven more prefectures as Covid-19 cases spike in the capital and nationwide, burdening the medical system, reports Reuters.

The current state of emergency is due to expire on August 31, but a continuing surge in coronavirus cases has spurred calls for an extension.

The state of emergency will cover slightly less than 60 per cent of the population after the government adds the prefectures of Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Shizuoka, Kyoto, Hyogo and Fukuoka.