Restaurants and bars will close early in Tokyo and a dozen other areas across Japan beginning today as the country widens Covid-19 restrictions due to the Omicron variant causing cases to surge to new highs in metropolitan areas, AP reports.

Under the latest measure, most eateries are asked to close by 8pm, while large events can allow full capacity if they compile anti-virus plans.

Critics say the measures, which almost exclusively target bars and restaurants, make little sense and are unfair.